A Whole Lot Closer Now

I received this email late this morning, and it made me smile.  You see, I had just emailed the Chief at the end of last week, before the Holiday weekend, and on the first business day after the weekend I was sent a reply.  I had already received a reply, and had spoken to Selectman Moran on the phone, and was reassured that the matter would be addressed.

He was right, the matter is being addressed.  Let's hope that it comes to fruition.

Thomas Ford	10:52 AM (5 hours ago)
Good Morning All,

This morning I spoke with Joe Farley at MASS DOT regarding the signage at Rtes 20/148. He advised me that he and his staff would be looking into the posting of this signage. He told me that they would need to look at the age of the existing traffic signal to determine if it could withstand the weight load of this signage. If the signal was not able to sustain the load, then they would erect a standing sign reminding motorists to follow the state law and yield on green. The Police Department has addressed this issue on many occasions with patrol officers stationed in the area monitoring this intersection. Unfortunately, we have not had much success in enforcing this violation (it is amazing how cognizant we are of the law when a marked cruiser is within sight). We will not be discouraged by this and will continue with our enforcement efforts in this area. On a side note, I also spoke with Mr. Farley regarding replacing the green traffic lights at the intersection of Rte. 20 and OSV with green arrow lights in order to assist visitors who cannot read the overwhelming amount of signage in that area. This idea was given to me by Tony Celuzza. Mr. Farley advised me that he would notify me, via e-mail, of their progress. So, thank you all for your assistance and continued commitment to a safer community.

Tom

Thomas J. Ford III

Chief of Police

Sturbridge, MA 01566

(508) 347-2518