Agenda - Public Works Committee - 02/17/2009

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Steve Jankowski From: William C. Attridge [attridge66 @comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 10,2009 9:35 AM To: Steve Jankowski Subject: Potential Traffic Modifications West of TH 47 TO: Steven Jankowski, PE,. City Engineer FROM: Dr. William C. Attridge SUBJ: Argon Street Closing DATE: February 10, 2009 Dear Mr. Jankowski, As a residential homeowner impacted by the proposed traffic modifications to Argon Street, West of Hwy' 47, I am writing to express my strong opinion of the measure. While I am unable to attend the City's Public Works Committee meeting scheduled for February 17th, I remain hopeful my correspondence will be considered as determinations are made with respect to this forthcoming issue. Cut- through traffic on Argon Street from Hwy 47 is substantial and generates significantly more traffic than any residential neighborhood should have to endure. Most vehicles are simply using my street as a "shortcut" in an effort to either avoid traffic backups at the stoplight at the intersection on Nowthen Blvd and Hwy 47, or are merely attempting to gain an alternate route to, Dysprosium Street. Moreover, these vast numbers of out -of- residential area vehicles typically do not adhere to normal residential speed limits and are frequently speeding; generating an unsafe community. Local police are not routinely present to enforce or even monitor excessive traffic speeds on Argon Street, which essentially provides these vehicles a "free pass" to speed through this residential street where children cannot even leave the safety of their front yards on their bicycles for fear of being struck by speeding vehicles that have no business on Argon Street. More often than not, I cannot even back out of my own driveway onto Argon Street without having to repeatedly monitor closely the traffic conditions due to speeding vehicles who are rounding the hill at, excessive speeds with no regard for homeowners or children. This past summer a 2- year -old child was struck and killed on Junkite Street less than one mile from Argon. Junkite Street is not a "short-cut" street and is considered a relatively safe, residential neighborhood. But yet, tragedy struck a family there. Tragedy also struck the driver who killed the child as she also resided on Junkite Street. On Argon Street, children are not safe. Pedestrians are not safe. Traffic conditions are not safe. This matter will only be resolved by closing Argon to traffic from Hwv 47. Given Argon Street more closely resembles I -35 than a calm, residential neighborhood I strongly support the notion of closing Argon Street off to traffic from Hwy 47 entirely. Implementing any of the other alternatives suggested by your letter of January 27th, does little to eliminate the danger and volume of traffic, and simply retains Argon Street as a "short-cut" for those who do not reside in the neighborhood. Thank you for considering my opinion in this matter. I will remain optimistic that Argon Street will be closed to traffic as soon as possible to ensure the safety of local residents and their families Sincerely, Dr. William C. Attridge, PhD, LPC -S, NCC 14243 Argon Street 5