BALDWINSVILLE — Drivers on River Street in the village of Baldwinsville will have to slow down a bit more. The Baldwinsville Village Board of Trustees voted Sept. 15 to lower the speed limit on that street from 30 mph to 25 mph.

Mayor Dick Clarke said the request to reduce the speed limit came from a parent on River Street. The resident was unable to attend the Sept. 15 meeting, so Clarke summarized an email she sent with her comments.

“She was disappointed that it was only 25 [mph], and I explained that 25 was all the state allowed,” Clarke said.

The resident also expressed concern about drivers going the wrong way on the narrow one-way street.

Deputy Mayor Bruce Stebbins had another suggestion to make River Street safer.

“It would behoove the safety of that street if the individuals living on it would not park on the street regardless of what the speed is posted,” Stebbins said.

Baldwinsville Police Chief Mike Lefancheck said the sidewalk on River Street has no curb, so it might appear that some drivers are veering onto the sidewalk.

Trustee Megan O’Donnell suggested adding a sign to the exit of Mercer Park advising that right turns are not allowed, but Lefancheck said he believes the existing signage on River Street is adequate.

“The Onondaga Lake Parkway has a lot of signs and trucks go through it at least four times a year,” he said.

The board voted unanimously to approve the speed limit change.

Also on the agenda

• Band director: Trustee Nate Collins commended Baldwinsville Central School District Band Director Casey Vanderstouw on being selected to march in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“It’s kind of pretty cool that a small village like us gets a substantial marching band [presence] in these big national events,” Collins said.
Vanderstouw led the Marching Bees in the 2014 Macy’s parade and the 2020 Rose Bowl Parade.

• Deputy clerk: The village is looking to hire someone for the position of deputy village clerk. For the full job description, qualifications and application information, visit baldwinsville.org/2022/09/13/deputy-village-clerk-position-available/.

• Acting Village Justice Timothy McMahon has resigned after 20 years of service. The board of trustees appointed Teresa Huegel to the role and thanked McMahon for his service.

• Tree lighting: Trustee Ruth Cico said the date for the village’s annual tree lighting and Parade of Lights has been set for Saturday, Nov. 26.