04/16/1996 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 4/16/96 ,,~ Bethia Kummer, 4845 Porter Road, had questions and comments concerning the proposed ~,a traffic light and turn lanes at Porter and Mill Roads. She just recently learned of preliminary plans for this project and has gathered 25 signatures of other area residents who are concerned about the size of the planned intersection. Mrs. Kummer and the other residents feel the intersection has been blown out of proportion and is inappropriate. The plans she has seen call for the taking of nearly 20 feet from the west and 10 feet from the east side of Porter Road to create four lanes on Porter Road between Mill and North Park Drive. Mrs. Kummer said this project would create an enormous intersection, bringing the road much closer to at least seven homes and within 2 1/2 feet of sidewalks. She contacted the city Engineering Department to inquire about the purpose of the light and was told that it meets the requirement of peak hour vohune. It is her feeling that traffic flows smoothly in this area, there is no interruption of continuous traffic and there is never a backup on Porter Road. The only backup she has witnessed is on Mill Road between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and it is never more than five cars. Mrs. Kummer would like Council to reconsider the purpose of the proposed traffic signal and asked the following nine questions about the project: 1. What is the purpose of this light at Porter and Mill Roads? 2. Now that we see what the installation of such a light entails, can we reconsider our options? 3. Does the proposed plan resolve the problem any or does it add to the problem? 4. Could a stop sign or a caution light slow the traffic here if that's the problem? (She commented this might be a moot point since she was told slowing traffic does not warrant a light. ) 5. Could a lower speed limit help? Thirty-five miles an hour is the same as the speed limit on Crocker-Bassett, which is a four-lane road. 6. Could a police car be stationed near Mill Road to ticket offenders who don't stop at the stop sign? 7. Can we try to do something less intrusive? 8. Is a gigantic intersection really necessary for these small streets? 9. Can this topic be put on a future Council agenda so the residents can get involved in the planning? Mayor Boyle suggested that the questions be submitted to Safety- Director Kasler and Service Director Bohlmann who will submit written answers to Mrs. Kummer. Mr. Bohlmann commented that the residents should look at the intersection of Victoria Lane and Butternut Ridge Road because the proposed intersection will be very similar. The proposal includes turning lanes to ease the flow of north and south traffic--there is a problem at North Pazk Drive and Porter and Mill Roads. Mill Road will be widened to three lanes, a traffic light will be installed at Dover Center and Mill Roads and Dover Center Road from Mill Road to Lorain Road will be widened. This project has been discussed for approximately two years. The property that needs to be recaptured is in the city right-of--way. Mrs. Kummer and Mr. Bohlmann disagreed on whether or not there is enough traffic congestion in the area to warrant this project. Mr. Bohlmann explained the reason a public meeting with the residents has not been held is because the plans are 5