Traffic Incidents Spark Debate
LUBEC (Azat TV) – A series of recent traffic incidents involving the deaths of two dogs has intensified concerns among residents in downtown Lubec regarding pedestrian safety and the effectiveness of speed limit enforcement. The events have prompted the Board of Selectmen to re-examine traffic management strategies, though jurisdictional limitations and budget constraints present significant hurdles for local officials.
Kris and Charles Schwartz, summer residents on Washington Street, recently lost their dog, Dan, after he was struck by a heavy truck while being loaded into their vehicle. The incident, as reported by The Maine Monitor, highlights a recurring issue in the town where residents feel that high-speed traffic, particularly heavy vehicles coming from the Campobello Island checkpoint, poses a constant risk to both pets and people.
Infrastructure and Legal Hurdles
Washington Street and Maine Route 189 are state-managed roads, which complicates efforts to implement local traffic calming measures. Claire Egan, a legally blind resident who relies on a white cane, noted that despite state laws requiring drivers to stop for pedestrians with visual impairments, compliance remains inconsistent. Egan has requested the installation of a crosswalk, but the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has reportedly denied the request because there is no sidewalk on both sides of the street, a requirement for such installations.
The Board of Selectmen recently met to address public concerns, including a proposal for a stop sign at the intersection of Main Street and Washington Street. However, historical context provided by local residents suggests that previous attempts to manage this intersection with signage were unsuccessful, leading to confusion and safety risks. Selectman Mark Kelley noted that MaineDOT has historically advised against stop signs at that specific location.
The Enforcement Dilemma
A central tension in the debate is the lack of consistent police presence. Because Lubec relies on the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement, patrol frequency is subject to county-level budget decisions. Recent budget crises and directives from county commissioners to reduce overtime have further limited the department’s ability to focus on local traffic enforcement in towns like Lubec.
While some residents have suggested temporary solutions, such as seasonal speed bumps or increased signage, the town remains constrained by state oversight and limited municipal funding. For many, the situation reflects a broader struggle to balance the needs of a small, walkable community with the realities of being a transit point for international bridge traffic.