By unanimous resolution vote Lancaster’s town board approved to install stop signs at designated intersections in the private roadways at the Courtyards at Pleasant Meadows Condominiums.

Chapter 46-8 of the Vehicle and Traffic Ordinance entitled Stop Intersections designated on private roadways is hereby amended by adding stop signs in designated locations (intersections) and in accordance with State Law.

When questioned by a resident at the public comment session that precedes the resolution vote as to who will pay for the costs of the signs and installation, Supervisor Coleman answered: “town taxpayers.”

At the regular meeting and at the work session that precedes the regular meeting Coleman, Police Chief Karn and board members reviewed the process that led to their decision to amend the law:

• It’s a matter of public safety, the town’s #1 priority.

• Unless the Homeowner Association (HOA) became a gated community there is no way to prevent the community roads from becoming public roads – used as cut throughs by adjacent development vehicular traffic.

• The current HOA installed signs, their locations and number do not meet universal standards; state regulations – Uniform Traffic Control Devices manual. As such they are not enforceable, all will be removed and replaced in new locations.

• The town has been put on notice by the Pleasant Meadows HOA that they want state regulated stop signs.

• Although the HOA receives 50% tax reductions through Condominium Law 339-y, it still pays a considerable of highway and bridge taxes – estimated at $100,000 (200 units).

• A reduction in the number of signs posted at the Courtyards at Pleasant Meadows Condominiums will take place as studies have shown that when they are used to control traffic, their increased amount has the reverse negative impact.

• Other developments with like HOA private road conditions will be able to petition the town for like consideration.

• While this cost increase will burden and displease the general taxpayer, it will certainly appeal to the 5 HOA developments that pay full taxes and receive no Condominium Law 33-9y tax reductions.