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The Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office is proposing the installation of a license plate camera near Routes 355 and 351 in Poestenkill to aid in tracking suspicious vehicles and supporting criminal investigations. The sheriff's department has clarified that these cameras are not intended for traffic enforcement, such as catching speeders or issuing fines, but solely for identifying suspicious vehicles and enhancing public safety.
The proposal involves placing the cameras on town property, specifically at the intersection of Plank Road and White Church Road. However, the department is facing challenges in securing approval from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to install the cameras on state-owned land. According to news reports, the NYSDOT has stated that they have not received a formal request from Rensselaer County regarding the installation.
The sheriff's department is also in discussions with Stewart's Shops to host the cameras at multiple locations within the county. Republican Councilor Eric Wohlleber expressed some reservations, noting that while he supports law enforcement, he questions the necessity of such technology in a rural area like Poestenkill. Wohlleber mentioned concerns about the cameras being placed on town property, suggesting it might not be the right location.
Residents with questions or concerns about the proposal can contact the town office at 518-283-5100, extension 100. As discussions continue, the community awaits further developments regarding the potential implementation of this technology.