EASTHAMPTON — As discussed at its Sept. 18 meeting, the Easthampton City Council currently has two topics about speeding concerns in the city on its plate.
During public speak time, resident Marvin Ward spoke about a proposal for a citywide speed limit that he had brought forth to Mayor Nicole LaChapelle. Ward spoke of the need for a citywide limit that would be easier for people to understand and would mean a lower level of speed for vehicles.
“We have to get people to drive slower,” said Ward. “I see the cars zooming right through.”
Later in the meeting, the mayor noted that she brought forth the proposal to add to the other traffic calming methods the city is putting in place. She said that it would be a matter of implementing a Massachusetts General Law that allows for citywide speed limits. LaChapelle noted that she and Ward had been speaking about the issue for several months.
The council addressed the proposal during the new business section of its meeting, ultimately agreeing to move the matter to old business and have it reintroduced at a later meeting as being sponsored by a councilor. According to Salem Derby, vice president of the council, this is the correct procedure for bringing about such proposals. Councilor Owen Zaret, chair of the public safety subcommittee, agreed to sponsor the proposal.
Zaret also explained that the public safety subcommittee is looking at safety concerns on West Street. It recently met with residents of the street to hear their concerns and will meet with other stakeholders at its next meeting.
LaChapelle also read a proclamation in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month which began on Sept. 15 and runs until Oct. 15. It recognized the contributions of many Hispanic Americans, including those in the arts like playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda and those in the legal field like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The proclamation also honored all those of Hispanic descent who have served in the military and local political leaders like Council President Homar Gomez.
