To the editor:

The City of Salem is a great place to live. The administration makes decisions on a daily basis to better our community. Some of these decisions require more thought and input than others. Considerations are made based on the benefits to our residents, the financial costs and the negative effects of the decision.

Recently a group of residents who live on South Lincoln Avenue attended a city council meeting. They requested a speed limit change from 35 mph to 25 mph on South Lincoln Avenue. They based this request on the number of trucks utilizing the street and on witness statements of vehicles traveling at excessive speeds. Also, in the past few years, new families with children have moved on this street. Safety is a big concern and I empathize with them.

Several years ago, the city’s administration increased the speed limit on this same street from 25 mph to 35 mph. South Lincoln is a main corridor and it was the recommended speed for a through street in the city. The speed limit of two other city streets was also changed to 35 mph during this time period. Since then, there has been no increase in the number of accidents along these streets.

Changing the speed limit on any street is burdensome. There is the cost of new signage, the frustration of people traveling the street and the enforcement of the change. Salem streets are used by our residents as well as an additional 5,000 people daily. Any decision to change the speed limit on a main corridor will affect all these people.

Salem is our city and I would like to have your insight on this matter. If you would like to share your thoughts, please email me at servicedirector@cityofsalemohio.org or call 330-332-4241 ext. 1002.

I appreciate your input.

Joe Cappuzzello,

Safety & Service Director,

City of Salem