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May 31, 2008

One-way traffic on base oval debated

By JOE LoTEMPLIO

PLATTSBURGH -- A request to change the traffic pattern on U.S. Oval is raising questions among some Common Council members.

Residents of the oval have asked that the road around the recreation field be made one-way, with the inside lane serving as a recreation lane for non-motorized travel.

Luke Cyphers, who along with his wife, Lisa, have solicited support from many other oval residents, told councilors Thursday night that the change would enhance the area.

RECREATION LANE

Mr. Cyphers said switching the road to one-way would make it safer and give people more opportunities to exercise.

He noted that the recreational lane can be used not only by residents, but by local college and high-school teams and other athletes in training, which would be a draw for the city.

John Lynch, cross-country coach at Plattsburgh State, said the one-mile oval would be a great place for his team to train, especially in the winter when city roads are often clogged with snow.

"We've had athletes get hit by cars in the city while they are running."

Mrs. Cyphers said more opportunities for people to get out and exercise offers tremendous health benefits.

"The new enemy is diabetes and obesity," she said.

Mr. Cyphers said one-way traffic would also deter motorists from using the oval as a short-cut from Route 9 or as a dodge by those who may be trying to avoid being stopped for drunk driving.

"We would be giving up convenience for getting in and out of our own homes, but that would be offset by the quality it would bring," he said.

Councilor George Rabideau (R-Ward 3) said the existing bike path already serves as a recreation area for non-motorized traffic.

"We spent thousands of dollars on that bike path, and this is not a private road," Rabideau said referring to Mr. Cyphers's comment that one-way traffic would deter those who do not have a reason for traveling on the oval from doing so.

Mr. Cyphers said he meant people who were seeking shortcuts and in no way was suggesting that the road is or should be private.

ENFORCEMENT

Councilor Amy Valentine (D-Ward 5) said she was concerned about how much it would cost to convert the road and how it would be enforced.

Lt. Scott Beebie of the Police Department said that typically when a road direction is changed, police assign one car each shift to look out for that area. Motorists are usually warned the first week or two to educate them of the change, then ticketed if problems continue.

City Engineer Kevin Farrington said re-striping the road would not pose a problem.

SLOW FIRE TRUCKS

Councilor Timothy Carpenter (D-Ward 1) wanted to know if emergency vehicles would be hampered by one-way traffic.

Fire Chief Paul Williams said it would slow down response time somewhat, depending on where the emergency was.

"We can go against the traffic patterns with lights and sirens on, but if there is an accident we are responsible," Williams said.

Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem James Calnon (I-Ward 4), who was chairing Thursday's meeting in the absence of Mayor Donald Kasprzak, who was out of town, noted that few accidents occur on the oval.

"If it is safe already, then why change it?" he said.

The council is expected to vote on the proposed change next week.

Councilor Michael Kelly (D-Ward 2), who represents the oval area, said he supports the residents' request because it will make the city better not only now but in the future.

"This is a good idea, and it is not going to go away, so I think we should do it now and take credit for it."

jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com

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