By GLYNIS HART
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CLAREMONT – Thanks to the efforts of a young man who lives on South Street, the speed limit on his street between Chestnut and Broad Street has been lowered from 30 mph to 25.
Oliver Beeman first petitioned the Claremont City Council in May.
“When he first came to the council,” said Mayor Charlene Lovett, “he said he didn’t feel safe walking his dog.”
Beeman told the council too many people were speeding on South Street. He went around his neighborhood gathering signatures on a petition to lower the speed limit to 20 mph the whole length of South Street. However, the traffic advisory council determined that the shorter distance would be more workable.
Wednesday night, Oliver and his family returned to the city council to hear the change in the law.
“I couldn’t be more proud of a young citizen for taking the initiative to not only identify a problem, but to do something about about it,” said Lovett. “I hope you’ll feel a little bit safer walking your dog.”
Beeman smiled his approval but did not give a speech.
The council voted to approve the speed limit change with one “No.” Councilman Andrew O’Hearne voted against it.
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