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2001 Study called for action on Stop signs
"In the course of conducting this intersection control report, several intersections were noted where, based on field conditions and existing intersection controls, it appears that the Village needs to review or reassess its policy regarding Stop sign controls," read the study. For each intersection, the study took into account the daily traffic volume for that area (32,400 cars per day on Merrick Road in the Village and 5,200 cars per day on Clark Boulevard), the number of accidents, the key accident locations and the number of existing traffic controls. Some recommendations from the 2001 intersection control study included the following: •"Three way stop" signs should be added at Linden Street and Lake Shore Drive because the current configuration confuses drivers; a traffic signal study should be done; •"All way stop" signs should be added to existing stop signs at Front Street, Clark Blvd. and Philadelphia Avenue; •A stop sign should be added on Second Avenue at Lindbergh Street; •A stop sign should be added on Koehl Street at Second Avenue; •Traffic calming (such as roundabouts or paved speed stables) was advised for key accident locations such as Front Street at Clark Boulevard and Lake Shore Drive at Park Boulevard; •The westbound stop sign at Linden Street at West Street should be removed because it's confusing; •The stop sign on southbound Broadway at Front Street should be removed; •The westbound stop sign at Linden Street at Cashaw Place should also be removed; In addition, the report questioned several four way stop sign locations, including five on Second Avenue and three on Charles Avenue. The report noted that these signs were most likely installed to control speed, however, that goes against state guidelines and set a bad precedent. Other traffic modifications were also recommended. The report stated that two intersections, Lake Shore Drive and Park Boulevard and Front Street and Clark Boulevard stand out as locations where it is possible to reduce accident potential and implement traffic calming measures. "Each is characterized by the low angle at which they meet, by relatively high collector street volumes, by high visibility, by a number of intersecting cross streets and by a triangular island at the intersection," the report noted. "Each appears to have the potential for traffic calming improvements, including a landscaped roundabout, that could reduce accidents, slow traffic, enhance beautification and improve the quality of life of residents." During the study, a pattern was observed regarding the installation and maintenance of signs in the Village. In most cases, the new sign posts were attached to an existing short (generally 3 feet high) sign post. The short posts are typically old, unpainted, rusty and unsightly, compared to the new posts. "In some cases, signs are leaning, apparently because the supporting post is not of adequate size or strength," the report stated, adding that the Village should "reassess the current practices it uses for sign installation and maintenance."
Village Administrator Peggy Caltabiano said that under the current administration stop signs are installed only after getting signatures from neighbors and reviewing the data from the Village's electronic speed sign, which documents the rate at which cars travel on Village roads. In addition, Massapequa Park Village Mayor James Altadonna said that while the Village has not adopted the 2001 study, it has implemented some of its recommendations as necessary.
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