M'burgh Village to Get Opinions on Making RR Avenue One-Way

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh village officials are seeking opinions on whether to make Railroad Avenue a one-way street.

A public hearing will be held at a special village board meeting on Monday, August 26, at 7 pm at the Firehouse on Railroad Avenue.

In an effort led by Trustee Kevin Young, who is a resident of Railroad Avenue, the Village Board is actively considering a proposed Local Law that would make Railroad Avenue a one-way from the firehouse to Main Street, continuing the existing one-way that exists from Scribner to Danforth Avenue.

Discussions on whether to make the narrow street one-way have been going on for years. The last time was about seven years ago. A proposal to make the street one-way (to Main Street) was abandoned after several businesses on RR Avenue complained that the change would cost them business.

Mayor Tim Knight had some reflections on the potential change.

"As someone who lived on Railroad Avenue for two years and observes traffic daily from Village Hall, I can tell you that it is not a safe street as is. With all of that in mind, a Local Law has been introduced to make it a one-way towards Main Street."

According to Mayor Knight, the key points on the issue are:

* The 12 parking spots on Railroad Avenue will remain on the same side, with only their direction changed.

* Changing the direction of on-street parking towards Main Street allows for a handicapped spot to be installed in front of 4EverBods Fitness, which will accommodate the gym's Silver Sneakers group.

* In addition to reducing the risk of head-on collisions and near misses between motorists, it keeps local traffic flowing within and towards the Business District instead of residential streets.

* Making Railroad Avenue a one-way towards Main Street will allow the Fire Department easier access to respond to emergencies and eliminate potential blockages from two-way traffic, which often results in cars swerving onto sidewalks and backing into Main Street traffic to make room.

* Village Mayors have advocated for making Railroad Avenue a one-way for 30 years due to the risk of head-on collisions and congested traffic. "I have personally seen the near misses and how the two-way design can delay our Fire Services, and I believe the late Mayor Art Wargo was right to push for this law in 1996, and I hope we can pass it in 2024."

He added, "I know there are a lot of opinions about this topic, so I am encouraging residents to attend this hearing and share your thoughts with the board and community."