Community and safety at Newfield Town meeting

On Dec. 14, the Newfield Town Board convened for its monthly meeting, during which board members discussed various new issues and received updates from different departments. The session was highlighted by a discussion of the speed limit on Van Ostrand Road and updates from the Newfield Recreation Department.

Councilperson Robert Lynch, from the neighboring town of Enfield, raised concerns about Van Ostrand Road, which lies between Newfield and Enfield. A few months ago, a resident of Newfield living on the road had contacted Enfield officials, voicing concerns over speed limits and traffic safety on the road. The resident’s email specifically requested the implementation of a speed limit due to the road’s dirt surface, which causes dust clouds when vehicles speed, and its various inclines’ effects on visibility.

This issue was first acknowledged by the Enfield Town Board in its Oct. 11 meeting, following receipt of the email on Sept. 22. The board passed a resolution requesting a state-conducted speed study on Van Ostrand Road. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) responded on Nov. 27, and the matter was further discussed at Enfield’s Dec. 13 town board meeting.

During the Newfield Town Board meeting, Lynch read out NYSDOT’s findings. After concluding its study and field visit, the department noted that Van Ostrand Road’s unpaved status led it to adhere to the policy of not posting speed limits on such roads.

“The NYSDOT follows a practice of not posting speed limits on unpaved roadways,” Lynch read. “Studies have shown that lower posted speed limits on gravel roads have negligible impact on improving safety and operations.”

According to the letter, because the road is unpaved, it can deteriorate more quickly than a paved road, which may cause the posted speed limit to become inappropriate. Due to this policy and the potential for rapid road surface deterioration, no speed limit will be assigned to Van Ostrand Road.

The Newfield Town Board acknowledged that this was not the first instance of this issue being presented to them; the state had previously denied a similar proposal to post a speed limit on Van Ostrand Road.

In another meeting highlight, Mike McLaughlin, representing the Newfield Masons, presented a $3,000 check to the board for the Newfield Recreation Department. Mike Jordan, the department’s director, shared updates about winter sports programs. He noted that all coaches now possess CPR, first aid, and concussion training certifications and have signed a code of ethics to ensure accountability.

Jordan further mentioned that 90% of athletes and their parents have signed a code of conduct, emphasizing the importance of mutual attention and responsibility during games and events. He also shared an inspiring addition to the department’s basketball program.

“I purchased a basketball with bells in it because we now have an athlete on our first- and second-grade basketball team who is partially blind,” Jordan said. “It’s pretty incredible to see someone who’s partially blind play basketball.”

According to Jordan, the wrestling program has also seen growth, expanding from one to three assistant coaches, all with backgrounds in wrestling and ties to the community.

The meeting concluded with the resolution of the speed limit issue concerning Van Ostrand Road, brought forth by the town of Enfield, and a positive outlook on the ongoing winter sports season in Newfield recreation.

For further details on the meeting, visit newfieldny.org for the recorded session.