Town Board does not yield to four-way stop sign request

PINE PLAINS — The proposal to install a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Stissing Avenue, Lake Shore Drive and Beach Road was stopped at this month’s Town Board meeting.

"It seemed to be a pretty widely held opinion that it was not a good idea," said town Councilman Rick Butler.

Although there was a motion made by Councilwoman Dorean Gardner to pass a local law to create a four-way stop at the intersection, no one seconded the motion.

"There weren’t enough votes to make it a motion," Gardner said. "I was for it, but there wasn’t enough support to make it happen.

"Anything that will deter people [from speeding] is good," Gardner said, adding that children play in the area because it’s right next to the recreation fields. "Not that I think a four-way stop will always stop everybody, but it’s just another sign that says stop, and maybe that can save one person. I would feel terrible if somebody went flying through there and killed a kid because there was no stop sign there."

But Butler disagreed that a four-way stop would answer Gardner’s concerns.

"I don’t agree with using stop signs as speed control devices," he said. "You have stop signs at that intersection and you know who has the right of way. If you put a four-way stop at the intersection, who knows who has the right of way. We all know driver courtesy is disappearing. In times of high traffic situations it could be more confusing than it is right now."

There was a public hearing on the issue last month, at which resident Jim Boyles spoke in favor of the four-way stop signs. He said cars speed through the neighborhood, making it dangerous to walk and drive in the area.

At the time the Town Board suggested Boyles get other residents to write in with their support for the proposed signs, but none did. There was a letter opposing the move, but aside from that there’s been no outcry from the community on the issue.

As a result, the Town Board decided to take action, or not, at its Nov. 15 meeting. It chose not to endorse the idea of a four-way stop.

"The board hates to make a law when you really shouldn’t have to have another law. People should just use their judgement and slow down," Gardner said, adding that she understood why nobody supported her motion to approve the four-way stop signs. "There are a lot of laws that really aren’t being used now, and then you need another cop down there, and it makes sense when you hear the whole thing.

"I didn’t at first, being a parent, feel that way, but really, you don’t need the signs if you just use your brains," she added. "Just slow down and keep it slow."