Residents flatten speed humps idea

SHARON — The Sharon Board of Selectmen held a hearing on July 27 at Town Hall to discuss a speed hump petition from Mitchelltown Road resident James Metz. The petitioner would like the town to install speed humps on the road to slow traffic down. The road, which is closed at present while bridge repairs are being made, runs through Metz’ property. First Selectman Robert Loucks said that repairs on the Mitchelltown Road bridge will be complete this year.At the meeting, Loucks explained the difference between “speed bumps”and “speed humps.” Speed bumps are short risers in roads designed to make drivers slow their cars to a crawl. Speed humps are much longer risers in a road that are designed to permit cars to continue their journey — but only at the posted speed limit. Speed humps cause discomfort for vehicles traveling above the speed limit.Only two selectmen attended the meeting. Selectman Meg Szalewicz was delayed on a stalled Amtrak train. There were about 15 people present including the two selectmen and two media representatives.Metz’s petition requested the installation of two speed humps on Mitchelltown Road, one within 40 feet on each side of his driveway. He wants traffic slowed down in front of his home. Metz claimed that three of his dogs have been killed on Mitchelltown Road, in front of his home and said he wants traffic slowed down in front of his property. Sharon resident Tammy Shaffer said that her husband had been bitten by one of Metz’s dogs while walking on Mitchelltown Road.Selectmen John Mathews said he has visited three towns around the state to learn about their experiences with speed humps. One of his findings was that speed humps are primarily used in residential neighborhoods with heavy traffic.Several residents voiced concerns about the effect speed humps would have on emergency equipment such as firetrucks, ambulances and snowplows. Loucks said this had been investigated and was not found to be a problem. Town policy is that snowplows do not operate over 25 miles per hour. Mathews said none of the three towns he visited in connection with his investigation experienced any snowplowing problems caused by speed humps.All Sharon residents who spoke at the hearing were against the installation of speed humps on Mitchelltown Road.Loucks said hearing was to gather input from citizens and that no decisions would be made that evening. The selectmen will evaluate what local citizens had to say about this project before making a decisions.