Traffic and Safety on Crystal Lake Road
Hello Crystal Lake Neighbors,
As we all know, speeding is an issue around our lake, in the town of Enfield, and really everywhere. Recently there have been conversations between the Town Manager, the Selectboard, Police Chief, and concerned citizens about speeds in Enfield... including Crystal Lake Road. I'm happy to report that our elected officials, the town, and Chief Holland have reviewed the currently laws for appropriate legal remedies and will be taking additional steps to help improve the situation on Crystal Lake Road while continuing to ensure safety throughout town. Having said that, the steps our Police Department has to go through to have speed limits reduced is cumbersome, time consuming, and fraught with bureaucracy.
Towards a goal of allowing local speed limit reduction decisions by local police chiefs, a bill (SB 559) has been introduced in the state senate. SB 559, which allows for the reduction of speed limits on locally controlled roads, has been heard by the Senate Transportation Committee and they have recommended it to the Full Senate as “Ought to Pass with Amendment” for discussion on Thursday, Feb. 5. A new law would empower Chief Holland, and police chiefs around the state, to examine local issues and take action with a heck of a lot less time and bureaucracy. Chief Holland is supportive of this legislation.
There are two actions I would ask you to consider showing your support for this initiative:
1) Please express our support with our State Senator, on SB 559. This effort needs to take place on or before Wednesday (2/4) of next week. Our State Senator is Sue Prentiss. Her telephone # is (603) 271-3091. Her email address is, Suzanne.Prentiss@gc.nh.gov. I know Senator Prentiss is in favor of this bill but would appreciate additional input to make it a top priority during this legislative session.
2) Whereas this bill is up for state-wide consideration, we also need to reach out to friends and family in other parts of the state and ask them to contact their state senator to express their support for this bill.
Let's continue to work together to keep our lake clean, healthy, and safe! Thanks everyone... and stay warm!
Dan