Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in roads
Downtown parking study
A new Prospect Street resident called the roads 'absolutely horrendous' and asked for more than the ~$2.2M budgeted; a Broadway business owner said beautified parking spots cost her four spaces.
Prospect Street speeding and speed bumps
Prospect Street residents again asked for speed bumps after years of petitions, citing crashes and property damage. The mayor explained snowplow limits on permanent bumps and budget constraints on temporary ones; councilmembers promised to pursue solutions.
West Shore passenger rail feasibility study
The council endorsed requesting a feasibility study for restoring West Shore Line passenger rail, which could someday connect Newburghers to NYC and New Jersey by train. Zorrilla pointed supporters to the All Aboard Hudson Valley campaign.
Broadway stop sign removal
An ordinance would have removed a stop sign affected by the ongoing Broadway pedestrian and traffic signal improvement project.
Johnston Street one-way designation
The stretch of South Johnston Street between Ann and Broadway goes one-way northbound to squeeze in downtown parking, and the Ann Street stop sign comes out as part of the Broadway project.
Pedestrian crosswalk at Washington & Water Streets
A resident brought a 70-signature petition asking for a crosswalk at the main crossing to People's Waterfront Park. NYSDOT says the city must first pass a resolution requesting the improvement before the state will study the intersection.
Liberty Street parking shortage
Residents demanded the long-promised parking study be released and pressed for results on Spring Street signage confusion, waterfront development parking, and a moratorium idea. Council pointed to the Transportation Committee and the pending study.
Broadway Traffic Signal Upgrades and Courthouse Fire Alarms
The council approved state DOT agreements and change orders to fund and advance traffic signal upgrades along Broadway, a corridor residents have complained about for years.
Four-way stop at South William and South Lander Streets
An ordinance would add stop signs making South William Street and South Lander Street a 4-way stop — a neighborhood traffic-safety change.
Hazardous sidewalk on Broadway
A resident described her mother and great-nephew falling on a badly broken sidewalk in front of 96 Broadway, demanding immediate repairs.
Church parking near Soul Saving Station
A congregant described members getting ticketed while attending Sunday services and requested temporary parking restrictions, handicapped signage, and designated parking. The council will refer it to the transportation committee.
Sunset Ridge private road maintenance
Residents of Sunset Ridge said their private road was left as a sheet of ice through 20 inches of snow, endangering emergency access. The city is suing the developer with a February trial; Councilmember Stewart cited case law arguing a public-safety exception to the constitutional gift clause, and the mayor promised the city will plow in the next storm.
Snow-cleared sidewalks and pedestrian access
A 70-year-old resident with disabilities described a full week of impassable, unshoveled sidewalks after the storm, forcing walkers into the street and stopping buses on side streets. She suggested DPW and postal workers help report problem blocks.
Traffic safety: stop signs, speeding, and the South Street/Prospect fatality
Council members asked for four-way stops at South William and Lander, speed calming near the hospital on Du Bois, a school zone at CBA, and action at South Street and Prospect, where someone was recently killed.
Little Britain Road Bridge Replacement Grant Application
The city-owned bridge over Quassaick Creek is structurally deficient and rated for only 22 tons, and there's no construction money yet. The BUILD grant would fund replacement, with sidewalks on both sides and a temporary pedestrian bridge during construction.