New Milford Traffic Authority Upholds One Parking Ticket, Waives Another

NEW MILFORD, CT — The Traffic Authority upheld one parking citation, waived another and endorsed several traffic control recommendations from the Department of Public Works during its June 23 meeting.

The authority voted unanimously to waive a parking citation issued to David Rogers for parking in a no-parking area near the Department of Public Works building. Parking Enforcement Officer Denise Dougherty said there was no posted "No Parking" sign at the location, although the area is considered a no-parking zone. Members noted the citation was issued during a large festival when parking was limited and agreed to dismiss the ticket.

See Also: New Milford Zoners Debate Affordable Housing, Commercial Projects

In a separate unanimous vote, the authority upheld a parking citation issued to Tyler Loorman for parking in a no-parking area on River Road. Dougherty said Loorman believed a parking pass allowed him to park there, but the pass applies only to designated parking lots and not to roadside parking. She added that permanent signs are posted at both ends of the park identifying the restriction.

The authority also agreed to provide written confirmation that it concurs with a traffic study prepared for a proposed drive-through coffee shop at 169 Danbury Road. Chair Tyler Bergemann said the authority currently agrees with the study's conclusion that the project would have no substantial impact on the state highway system, contingent on concurrence from the Department of Public Works. Members discussed traffic capacity in the area before reaching consensus.

During the Public Works report, department representatives recommended several traffic control changes, including installing a pedestrian crossing sign and reducing the speed limit to 30 mph near Candlelight Farms on Candlewood Mountain Road, seeking Connecticut Department of Transportation approval for restrictions on commercial buses near Riverview Road, and adding several no-parking signs on Prospect Place, Bostwick Place and Spring Street. The authority unanimously accepted the report and approved moving forward with the recommendations.

See Also: New Milford Commission On Aging Reviews Housing Needs, Senior Center Growth

Residents also raised concerns about speeding and truck traffic on Aldrich Road, where motorists use neighborhood streets to bypass Route 7. Public Works officials discussed possible solutions, including relocating speed limit signs closer to Sullivan Road, adding pavement markings, installing a roadside radar sign and requesting additional police enforcement. Officials said a proposed "No Thru Trucks" restriction would require further evaluation because of the legal definition of through trucks.

The authority also noted that reviews remain pending from state agencies for Route 7 illumination improvements, proposed street lighting at Hemlock Lane and Colonial Ridge Drive, and speed limit requests for Lillis Road and Sunrise Lane.

The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.