By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – Following a request from city councilor Wayne Ashley, Ogdensburg drivers may be able to turn right on red at Spring Street and New York Avenue.

At Monday meeting, Ashley said he sees no reason for the restriction, which limits right turns on red lights during certain hours.

“I just don’t see why we can’t turn right on red there,” he said.

Ashley said it is common to see three or four vehicles backed up on the Lafayette Bridge because of the restriction.

“There is no need for it,” he said.

Ashley said the law might have made sense when the city had trucks running from the former cheese plant and businesses like Diamond National and Shade Roller, but there is no longer enough traffic to warrant the restriction.

Ogdensburg Mayor William Nelson said city manager researched the restriction and found that the law was initially passed to ensure safe traffic at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center.

Nelson also asked Ogdensburg Police Chief Rick Polniak if he had concerns regarding the potential change, but the chief did not oppose the modification.

City council took no action Monday, but with apparent consensus of the councilors, a public hearing will likely be scheduled in May.