12/08/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dennis Urso, 445 Clark, stated that in May 1978, a traffic study was conducted . which showed that 3,500 cars per day drive through Cheshire at an average speed of 30 miles per hour in an area with a posted speed of 20 miles per hour. Fifty percent of these people are not using the park as a destination. In March 1980, the Whiteaker Community Council began working with City staff toward a solution. In April 1980, John Etter, Parks Design, stated that a diverter would be erected by Memorial Day. In September 1980, Dave Whitlow turned down the proposal for the diverter. Speed bumps were no longer being considered because of a high liability factor. A great deal of misinformation and miscommunication has resulted from this entire process. All proposals contradict each other. Carol Brewster, 137 Lawrence, stated that she is a citizen in the West Butte neighborhood. The traffic situation should be examined and they are in favor of traffic restrictions. The traffic has created a negative effect for those who wish to enjoy the park. Residents are aware of this effect and the City has been in favor of re-establishing older neighborhoods and has adopted policies to enhance life quality in inner-city neighborhoods. One of the City policies is to redirect traffic to commercial and industrial streets. There have been narrow escapes with children trying to cross the street. Residents in the East Butte neighborhood and people attending Campbell Senior Center activities have told of being unable to cross the street because of traffic. The City has adopted community goals and policies and the Whiteaker Refinement Plan which includes the area of Cheshire and 3rd Avenue. The situation east of Skinner Butte might be eased by proper traffic management. Joseph Brown, 90 North Lawrence, stated that they have come to the council for a . solution to their problem. They do not want a toll booth, which would cause more problems. A one-way barricade on Cheshire is a solution which is Plan B in the packet they distributed to the council. Four-way "STOP" signs are needed at 3rd and High and at 3rd and Pearl. The "STOP" signs would make pedestrian travel safer for senior citizens. They feel the number and size of speed limit signs should be increased. They are asking either for a decision tonight or for a date when a decision will be made. They have been going through a shuffle and have received no solution. They would like the quality of their neighborhood to be enh anced. Petitions were distributed to the council bearing the signatures of senior citizens residing at 255 High Street requesting improvements in the situation. Glen Gibbons, 1050 West 5th, stated that he has sympathy for the request. He has lived two blocks from the 5th and Blair intersection for two and one-half years. They have experienced similar frustrations requesting traffic diverters in that area. There being no further public comments, the public hearing was closed. . MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 8, 1980 Page 12 .