- November 16, 2024
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Slowing traffic on Broadway Street in Longbeach Village has been a hot topic on the north end of the island in recent weeks with plenty of proposals but no real consensus between residents and town leaders on moving forward.
At issue, residents say, is their way of life in the enclave which features one thoroughfare with two popular restaurants on the east end and one on the west. Residents have for years said speeding cars on Broadway Street pose a risk not only to their safety but also to the community's laid-back atmosphere.
In March 2022, town leaders and the Village's Traffic Calming Committee met to work out potential solutions, taking into account the characteristics of the road, its users and property along it. Now, as recommendations come closer to implementation, the focus has shifted from possibilities to moving forward on choices.
The town worked with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to analyze the street and develop traffic-calming options.
Four options were presented to the town:
According to a town staff memo, speed humps, center median islands and mini roundabouts would be the costliest options, tend to be divisive and are difficult to undo should views on them change.
If mini roundabouts were installed, the town anticipates construction to cost between $25,000 and $45,000 depending on the size and location of the circles.
Pavement markings and striping were identified as a lower cost solution, though residents aren't immediately sold on their effectiveness.
“We do not have a cost estimate yet, though, we have a pending work assignment with our engineer to develop a high-level striping plan with an opinion of cost,” Public Works Director Isaac Brownman wrote in an email. “ We want to see the layout and cost to implement before we move forward. Striping and ADA improvements were considered relatively low cost options in the report.”
A Traffic Calming Committee’s presentation from November 2022 showed residents' preferred mini roundabouts built in each of the Village's three intersections at Broadway Street. The installations would force drivers to slow each time to steer right, left, then right again at each of Broadway’s intersections.
A recent town memo confused some residents into thinking their preferences had been discarded and striping was proceeding in these steps:
According to the town-sponsored study, the proposed traffic-calming devices would help define the actual lanes of travel and provide a defined center while leaving permit-only curbside parking in place.
The ADA ramps will need to be added where they do not exist at the crosswalk locations . All of the above will help complement the existing 20-mph posted speed limit and responsive speed signs.
Town Manager Tom Harmer and Town Commissioners of late have been working to let residents know that such a project would have to have commission approval before moving forward, with opportunities for public input along the way.
No decisions have been made.
“There was absolutely no mention that the commission would be involved, that there would be a commission review, or that there would be any opportunity for the Longbeach Village residents to comment or adjust the plan in any way,” Pete and Carla Rowan wrote in an email. “As a result, the neighborhood went into a panic mode of what we can do to stop the return of street paint from being implemented.”
The couple are members of the traffic calming committee and reside on Broadway.
“Over the years we have experienced many changes, both good and bad. In the last few years we have seen a tremendous increase in traffic and people in this wonderful neighborhood we call home that has created some unfavorable conditions,” residents of the Village Benny and Becky Parrish wrote. “...We ask that you please take a few minutes to consider the residents' views on what is best to deal with these problems as we are the ones who see what happens daily.”
Following the staff memo, the Village committee’s focus has shifted in an effort to block the striping plan as ineffective and counter to several key objectives.
“It may allow all existing traffic to flow, but it’s not aesthetically pleasing,” Pete Rowan said. “It’s not self-enforcing, and we don’t think it’s going to slow speeds, so we don’t think it fits our objectives.”
Carla Rowan expressed willingness to help fund the placement of four-way stop signs at the three intersections, if it meant street painting was off the table.
The group is in the process of scheduling a meeting with department staff to go over their concerns and work to come to a solution. The meeting date has not been set, but the committee intends to meet with staff before the issue goes to commissioners, Rowan said.
“We are looking for further information from staff as well as the village committee on solutions and what the cost of those solutions would be,” Commissioner BJ Bishop said. “Additionally, we are looking to Chief Turner for the speeds that the radar detectors noted.”
