Malta gets OK to set own speed limits
MALTA, N.Y. » The state Legislature has given the town of Malta the go-ahead to set its own speed limits.
The bill was written by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, and sponsored in the state Senate by Sen. Jim Tedisco, R-Glenville, and is awaiting the governor’s signature.
The bill will allow Malta town officials to adjust speed limits in different areas of the town, with the goal of ensuring the safety of Malta residents. Areas of greatest concern include the corridor along Route 9 near Ellsworth Commons.
The bill is referred to as “home rule legislation,” and it will allow the Malta Town Board to set limits and request signage from the state Department of Transportation in order to implement those speed limits.
“The bill authorizes the town, in certain instances, to decrease the speed limit from 55
miles per hour to between 30 and 25 miles per hour on town roads and 15 miles per hour near school zones,” according to the statement released by Tedisco’s office.
While this is the first piece of legislation regarding the issue of speed limits and traffic safety that has been sent to the state Legislature regarding the town, it is not the first time local officials have attempted to reduce speed limits in their town.
In 2015, a request was made by town officials to the Department of Transportation, which was denied.
“This legislation came specifically from residents’ requests,” said Malta Councilman Timothy Dunn. He added that the town is fortunate to have local representatives like Woerner and Tedisco, who are responsive to the needs of the town and its residents.
According to her email newsletter, Woerner wrote the bill after listening to the concerns of Malta residents about the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians in busy areas of town.
“While existing speed limits work in most cases, the people who live here know what will work best for their neighborhoods. This bill, which passed both the Assembly and Senate, will provide the town with the authority to more precisely adjust speed limits, ultimately making roads safer for Malta’s families,” Woerner said.
The bill will go to the governor’s office for review sometime between now and Dec. 31. If signed, the bill will become law 180 days after signing.
According to Tedisco’s Chief of Staff, Adam Kramer, legislation is grouped thematically in batches and is sent, upon request by the governor’s office. Once the request has been made and the bills are sent, the governor has 10 days to review and sign the bills into law.