Columbiana council goes around and around about traffic situation
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COLUMBIANA -- City council had several traffic issues to address Tuesday.
Councilman Richard McBane brought the traffic in town square to the attention of council, suggesting that it's time to get the situation under control. McBane pointed to a lack of understanding how the square works, paying attention or adhering to the signs indicating the need to yield and give pedestrians the right of way.
Mayor Rick Noel agreed with McBane saying, "I think we've all witnessed it"
Suggestions made by council members included improved signage and increased surveillance.
Council members agreed that a properly designed square calms traffic. Another council member referred to the square as a "real nut house."
Another concern bought to council concerning traffic in Columbiana came from resident Jim Bettura of Woodland Avenue.
Bettura explained residents with garages located on East Southern Avenue are facing issues with congestion and unsafe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. Bettura said the alley is very narrow, his truck barely fits down it.
Neighbors feel unsafe walking down the alleyway and another neighbor is too afraid to mow his lawn near the alleyway.
Bettura said an experience with a confrontational driver compelled him to bring the traffic issues to council's attention.
"Most of the neighbors that I talked to were elated that, that was even something that might be possible," said Bettura, referencing to a suggestion from Jesse Wilson from the street department that they turn the alley into a one-way.
Council requested time to gather data and get raw numbers to decide on a resolution.
Council respectively asked Bettura to hold off gathering signatures on a petition until a traffic study and other research could be conducted.
Columbiana received a letter from the Ohio Rail Development Commission regarding closing the Elm Street railroad crossing. City Manager Lance Willard said they did receive a letter and will have more information by May 18.
ODOT completed a traffic study on state Route 164. After completing the study, ODOT is recommending the speed limit be decreased to slow down traffic coming into town.
Other traffic concerns included an ordinance vacating the northern and southern sections of Mary Alley and Long Alley.
The ordinance was approved with amended language indicating that it will not just be half of the alley, it will include the whole alley.
The change came based on a suggestion from Councilman Ted Souder who serves on the planning commission, during an August meeting in 2020.
Regarding law enforcement, William Myers and Rick Noel swore in three full-time officers Tuesday. The officers sworn in were John Amann, Richard Burbick and Colin Trayes.
Lastly, the Salem Street storm water project bids came in under original estimates. Columbiana will enter into a contract with Marucci and Gaffney. The project is estimated to be finished in December.
dgarner@mojonews.com