98-79 AUTHORIZING INSTALLATION OF A TRAFFIC CIRCLE

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ITEM#1 Request for a traffic circle at the intersection ofMacon and Edward Streets. This item was discussed at the September meeting, where it was tabled so that additional information could be gathered. Newell met with Gillen at the intersection and the biggest fire truck they have was able to negotiate the circle. Gillen advised he was skeptical, but the equipment was able to get axound it. He believes parking will have to be removed for 30 feet from each corner. Newell stated that parking should not be a problem because it is a couple of car lengths from the intersection. He has also attached to the agenda a petition from area residents. Bruce Paulson, 451 West Macon Street, gave a short history of the project. Blocking Edward at Macon was a part of the original Alpi Plan. That was not addressed before, but there are continued problems at this intersection. Traffic avoids other streets in the neighborhood and comes here. Speeds are a problem. They are looking for the best option of controlling the traffic flow and speeds. They are looking for some sort of traf�ic device to control traffic at this intersection. , Mrs. Sober stated that they would appreciate anything the Commission can do. They appreciate � the stop sign at Edward and Union, and believe it has helped slow traffic down. Rhonda Glidewell, 440 West Macon, mentioned that this is part of the original Alpi Plan from 12 years ago. They tried to follow the CPTED concept. With the gates in place, the neighborhood has seen a noticeable improvement. Crime statistics might not show it, but calls for police service have decreased considerably. They see some criminal activity around the neighborhood, but it has ��, been taken out of the neighborhood. Unless someone comes up with a better idea, this is the best idea they can come up with. The apartment is a co-op and they have off-street parking in the back for each unit. Charles Golembeck, 356 West Macon Street, stated that during the day time, especially on the I weekend, a lot of people speed through toward Monroe, even thought there is a diverter. He '� believes this traffic control is necessary to compete the plan. Ms. Glidewell believes the speed changed when they made Edward a two-way street. Ryan is for the traffic circle, since the fire trucks can negotiate the area. Gillen hopes that this is the end of blocking off the neighborhood, because access is the major ' concern for emergency response time. If the neighborhood is happy, that is the best thing to do, but safety is another problem. A raised intersection would not be a problem. Traffic would have to slow down, but it is better than a diverter.