GOWANDA - Residents in Gowanda will have a new speed limit on three streets within the village. The village board passed a new local law to amend the traffic law.
The new traffic law will encompass three streets within the village. The following streets will be affected: Aldrich Street between the intersection of College Street and St. John's Street playground; East Main Street from the intersection of Routes 39 and 62; and Perry Street and North Water Street from the intersections of North Chapel Street to Aldrich Street along Hillis Field. The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph on these streets. The speed limit on East Main Street was 15 mph but must be raised.
"We have to change it now to be at state minimum," Mayor Heather McKeever said.
According to state requirements, the village cannot have any speed limits lower than 25 mph. According to McKeever, Gowanda Police Department could not enforce speeding.
"They could not enforce the 15 (mph limit). It was not legal," McKeever said.
To amend Chapter 60 of the municipal code, the village board held a public hearing which saw no public comment. The amendment was passed unanimously. The board also approved to hire Ron Tiller to replace Gary Laurer as motor equipment operator and to hire an additional MEO, Brian Bylbie.
The fire department received the turnout gear and generator, and the new garage door opener was installed. Tim McKeever from the planning board presented to the board about what the planning board hopes to accomplish.
"We will remain transparent and accountable to the mayor and the trustees," he said.