MONTICELLO – The Village of Monticello board placed a spotlight on ongoing pedestrian and traffic safety concerns throughout the village, especially along Broadway, Liberty Street, and St. John Street. 

Deputy Mayor John Barbarite cited repeated issues such as speeding vehicles, bicyclists riding on sidewalks, illegal U-turns, drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and parking violations.

Through a recent resolution, the village made clear that it intends to crack down on those issues through an “enhanced enforcement week” focused on traffic and pedestrian-related violations. 

Barbarite explained that the initiative will feature a stronger police presence in problem areas and could include overtime staffing if necessary.

“We [want] to be pedestrian friendly, and we [want people] to be responsible when they drive their vehicles,” stated Barbarite. “We’re going to stop this Wild West action on Broadway.”

Residents can expect warnings and tickets where appropriate, as well as increased public awareness through notices and information posted on the village website. 

Barbarite also stated that Police Chief David Lindsay will update the board regarding citations issued and the effectiveness of the initiative in determining whether enforcement efforts should continue beyond the designated week, which had not yet been determined as of presstime.

Additional Concerns

Speaking further on pedestrian safety, Barbarite urged residents to use sidewalks where available instead of walking in the roadway. Trustee Gordon Jenkins also raised concerns regarding dog waste throughout the village, urging stronger enforcement of existing regulations.

Jenkins additionally suggested utilizing the village’s constables alongside police officers in an effort to reduce overtime expenses while still maintaining a visible enforcement presence.

Concluding the list of concerns, Village Manager James Snowden firmly reminded the public that threats directed toward board members or village leadership would not be tolerated. Although he did not elaborate on specific details, Snowden maintained that the village’s stance on the matter remains firm.