Residents urge permanent stop sign at Central and 2nd; council holds first reading of traffic code change

The City of Madison Common Council opened first reading of ordinance 20-26-5 on March 3, a proposed amendment to the municipal traffic code that would establish a permanent stop sign at Central and 2nd Streets.

Council member (proponent) said the measure responded to resident requests and traffic data showing frequent speeding in the corridor; temporary signs during Main Street construction had slowed traffic and reduced risk. Kevin Watkins, a resident, described the visible effect of temporary stop signs and urged making the change permanent to protect neighbors, pedestrians and children. Tom Stark, also a resident whose house sits on the corner, stressed festival-season pedestrian traffic and said the temporary signs produced measurable slowdowns.

City staff and the mayor noted the council should pursue a comprehensive traffic review for west-end and neighborhood corridors, but said installing this device at Central and 2nd is a manageable, short-term traffic-calming tool. The council scheduled a second reading and another public-comment opportunity for Tuesday, March 17; no final action was taken on March 3.