CC MIN 1975 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

280 He stated that his view is supported by the recommen- dations of the Traffic Engineer; that safety is the main issue, whether or not stop signs are involved; and urged that the recommendations of the Traffic Engineer be adopted. Mrs. Betty Travers, 27 Lowell, advised that the 4-way stop signs at the hudson/Hopkins Street intersection were opposed some nine years ago by the City Traffic Engineer, but were installed and have been effective. Mrs. Travers urged installation of the requested signs. In response to request, City Attorney Schricker de- scribed the "anti speed trap Act" recently enacted by the Legislature, advising that essentially it provides that in order to enforce the speed limit by using radar control devices, a speed limit must be established by appropriate means which includes the 85 percentile speed. Since a speed limit of 25 mph on Whipple Avenue is less than the 85 percentile speed, it would have to be enforced by vehicle tracking. In response to question, Mr. Pusich described the City' s experience with regard to the push-button signal on Farm Hill Road, stating that the signal is on a direct route to Stulsaft Park, while a similar signal at the subject intersection would not be convenient for most pedestrians who could not be expected to go out of their way to use it. Mr. Pusich advised that with re- gard to signal installation, there are areas of the City with higher priority than the subject intersection. Donald Kenny, 917 Edgewood, urged installation of the requested stop signs. Ardean Merry, 4 Copley, stated she would like to try the staff recommendations for improvement of the traffic situation at the subject intersection, stating safety for all is her main concern. Mrs. Merry urged Council and staff to do whatever is possible to attain safety on Whipple Avenue. Virginia Nurisso, 1800 Whipple, commented on the diffi- culty of crossing Whipple on foot or on a bicycle, particularly for children. She urged the installation of the requested signs. Mr. Gee replied to questions and commented concerning the number of areas in the City without stop signs to interrupt traffic for long distances and the accident experience in such areas; the false security for pedestrians of painted crosswalks with no signs or signals; and on the refusal of most bicyclists to obey traffic rules. Richard Merry, 4 Copley, questioned the number of cars *! reported on Copley in the staff report, stating he does not believe the traffic at the subject intersection warrants installation of a 4-way stop. Mr. Merry urged that the Traffic Engineer' s recommendations be adopted -6- Reg.Mtg. 2/3/75