09/08/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~- - - and he hoped that if the speed was increased to 35 mph some alternative to signing could be taken - painting the first 50 feet of the school zone, speed bumps, etc. - e to draw attention of the drivers. He noted that 18th Avenue was another street needing attention and that the Westmoreland area had the highest traffic counts of any school in the city. Others objecting to the increased speed on City View were Harold Sanders, 2080 City View Street; Marita Talbott, 2500 West 22nd Avenue, president of Westmoreland PTA; Len Wassom, 1915 Parliament. They thought the heavy traffic permitted to travel at a higher speed would present a danger in common with many of the other streets in that area. Ms. Talbott said she understood the proposed change would more nearly reflect the driving patterns of most drivers and 'probably would not adversely affect the traffic problem, but she felt it would do nothing to improve the situation. She said she knew the school zone speed would not be altered but noted that that speed was not being respected now. She suggested some other means of indicating there was a school zone - red paint, flashing light, etc. She urged appreciation of their concern and no increase in the speed limit on City View. Richard Gale, 3615 Glen Oak Drive, objected to increasing the speed on Willamette be- tween Crest and 40th. He noted one fatal accident already on that street and doubted that the permitted speed over the crest of the hill in that stretch of road would allow slowing to the 20 mph limit near Dunn School. He felt the increased speed plus the 29th and Willamette intersection improvement constituted "subsidization" by people living closer to town, making it easier for others living farther out to get home more quickly. Others objecting to the increased speed on Willamette were Gary House, 325 West 38th Avenue; George Alvergue, 430 East 46th Avenue; Mary Sherriffs, 137 West 37th Avenue; e Ray Gilden, 170 East 37th Avenue; Richard Hinds, 2174 Jeppeson Acres Road, principal of Dunn School; and Arthur Hanhardt, 20 West 36th Avenue. Their objections were based on lack of site clearance, traffic traveling too fast with the present posted speed, the increase would be tantamount to legalizing violations of the present posted limit, residents along that stretch of Willamette are totally opposed to any further increase. Mr. Gilden asked that the Council vote separately on the Willamette Street speed zoning as well as on other areas where the recommended speeds were meeting ob- jections. Mr. Hinds thought there should be a comprehensive plan for handling traffic on both Willamette and Hilyard in view of the density of the population in those areas. He thought there was extreme danger in increasing the speed by even 5 mph. John Porter, planning director, said that the South Hills study did address the traffic situation in the South Willamette area, there is no major road system planned there. He said density was limited to five units per acre west of Monroe and he hoped for increased use of the transit system so provision wouldn't have to be made for the convenience of the auto. Councilwoman Shirey couldn't see a philosophy that condoned limits at the rate of speed traveled by drivers exceeding the posted limit. The hills in the Willamette Street area, she said, added to problems. Also, it was hazardous for autos being backed from driveways along the street. Since Willamette and Hilyard serve the en- tire south end of Eugene, they are loaded havily with traffic. Mrs'. Shirey thought too that the postal service should provide mail boxes on both sides of the street in that area so residents would not have to cross in heavy traffic. Councilwoman Beal wondered why the existing limits were not enforced. She noted that e in other areas speeding was the major offense, licenses were taken from drivers on the second offense, and the amount of fast driving was really cut down. She wondered whether the extra cost of enforcement could be met by fines and convictions. Assistant Manager said there was a special team now dealing with traffic and noise problems. However, one of.the difficulties is upholding convictions for violations other than 501 9/8/75 - 13