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Making Maple, Gilbert & South Park Streets Safer for Everyone

06/04/2025

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Office of the MayorWhy We're Looking at Speed Limits NowThe Village of Cambridge is taking formal steps to reduce the posted speed limits on two key roads that run through our community:Route 313 (Maple and Gilbert Streets)A short segment of Route 22 (South Park Street), near the school and District OfficeBoth are state highways that fall under the jurisdiction of NYSDOT, but for those of us who live here, they’re also everyday community streets. They're used by children walking to school, neighbors heading to urgent care, and first responders on emergency calls.What’s Changed on These RoadsRoute 313 has seen significant growth in the past several decades. Today, this corridor includes:🚒 Cambridge Fire Department🚑 Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad🏥 Urgent Care & Medical Offices🎓 Head Start Program🎯 Youth Program Facility (Village Youth Commission)🏠 Condominium housing and single-family homes💼 TCT Federal Credit UnionDespite these changes, the posted limit on Route 313 remains 40 MPH. And on Route 22, it quickly jumps to 45 MPH before even leaving the Village.These speeds no longer reflect the character or safety needs of our growing, mixed-use environment.What We’re ProposingAs Mayor, I am preparing a formal request to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to reduce the posted speed limits on both corridors to 30 MPH within the Village boundaries.This is a targeted, data-driven proposal designed to:Protect pedestrians and driversImprove conditions for emergency response vehiclesReflect the actual use and development of these roads todayYour Voice Matters: Public Comment Now OpenTo help support this request, we’re inviting the public to submit comments through a brief online form.📝 Click here to share your input → https://v3.cambridgeny.gov/22313📅 Comment period ends: June 30, 2025💬 All comments will be included in the July 2025 Board of Trustees meeting and submitted to NYSDOT as part of our official request.What Happens NextIn July, the Village Board will vote on a formal resolution. We’ll also be gathering letters of support from:Cambridge Central School DistrictCambridge Fire DepartmentRescue SquadLocal business owners and civic leadersResidents like youWe’re also considering a short stakeholder workshop in late June to coordinate efforts and finalize materials before submission.This Is Just the First StepThis effort is focused solely on speed reduction. However, we believe this conversation with NYSDOT will help open the door for future improvements and broader safety planning, together.If you have thoughts or want to get involved, you can always reach out to my office directly.Your Input Is More Than HelpfulThank you for taking the time to read and participate. Thoughtful civic input like yours is what helps us build a safer, more responsive Cambridge.James W. SweeneyMayor, Village of Cambridge📩 mayorsweeney@cambridgeny.gov