A resident urged the Tompkins County Facilities and Infrastructure Committee on June 26 to re-evaluate dozens of driveway and curve signs on Coddington Road, saying they harm the area’s natural views and do not change driver behavior.

The comment came during the committee’s public comment period. The resident, Diana Cole, said she had lived on or driven Coddington Road for nine years and that “those signs don’t make a difference. They really don’t” and that neighboring counties lack the same signage.

Jeff, highway department staff, told the committee that sign placement is generally handled “by the highway manager and the town highway superintendent” and that driveway signs are intended “for the safety of that homeowner.” He explained curve signs are installed following engineering measurements: “if the air ball rolls up the side of the ball bank indicator, then by standards, we have to put a curve sign on it.” Jeff offered to review specific signs Cole identified and provide reasons for each.

County staff also noted that the city installs street-specific signs such as the new children-at-play sign on Columbia Street, and referred Cole to the City of Ithaca Public Works for city-owned installations. When Cole asked about signage costs and budget line items, highway staff said the county budget is public and offered to help her locate the highway-related line items online.

Committee members discussed possible non-sign responses, including increased enforcement; one legislator suggested bringing traffic concerns to the public safety committee to request sheriff or state police patrols in the area.

Jeff and other highway staff said they would provide Cole with contacts and links and would review the particular driveway and curve signs she raised. The committee took no formal action; the comments were recorded in the public comment portion of the meeting and highway staff committed to follow-up.