09/08/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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received by the City show there has not been one injury in the last four years. If traffic is funneled into a narrower corridor, children, joggers, bicyclists, etc., will have to funnel into a narrower area also, and this could be more of a safety hazard. She is concerned about maintenance of the - area. She feels that the laurel Hill Valley Neighbors are "well-wishers," but if they move, others might not be so likely to maintain this area, She does not feel this is a sound project. She feels the money could be better spent on Riverview Street, which has shown statistics of injuries, Speaking in favor of the project: Clyde Raven, representing the laurel Hill Valley Neighbors, stated that the project has been in the works for three years. Augusta Street is a perennial concern. On the north end there are houses on both sides with parking on both sides and traffic speeds are lower. On the south end of the street, there are houses only on the west side. The area is largely unparked and higher auto speeds are evident. There was a serious injury on Augusta Street a few years ago. They have considered four or five different designs trying to be aware of design and neighborhood needs, and how this project could best benefit the neighborhood. The project is primarily for beautification and secondarily for safety. The lane width would be reduced to 12 feet. The design leaves the maximum accessibility to the various portions of property while receiving the maximum benefits from the design. This will be a visual barrier but it will not be blocking 200 to 300 feet in front of people's homes. Riverview Street is unimproved, but residents do not want to see it improved. They urge the council to deny the appeal on behalf of t~e laurel Hill Valley Citizens Association. The public hearing was closed. In rebuttal, Mrs, Henning stated that the accident figures had been obtained e from the City. She stated that she does not feel the question of maintenance has been satisfactorily answered. She would like written assurance that these areas will be maintained. Mr. Berman stated that he had received a letter from the laurel Hill Valley ,Citizens which stated that they will provide maintenance, The plantings will be low ground covers and trees in each of the six spots and are designed for minimum maintenance. laurel Hill School and EWEB have given permission for their water to be used for the care of the plantings. In regard to parking, staff has done a survey and it was determined that there is a maximum of 14 cars parking on the street, which uses only six percent of the total area. Regarding safety, the street width would be 36 feet from curb to curb, which is as safe as many residential streets. These beauty spots will not be as obstructive as cars would be and would not be creating a liability hazard. Mr. Haws asked if the concept is to make the area look nice, but who will maintain the beauty spots if the neighborhood groups move away or do not maintain them. He asked if the property owners would be responsible. Mr. Berman responded that they would, but stressed that minimal maintenance will e 9/8/80--8