[ back ]
Two-way temporary road gets green light
(by Sue Reid - June 17, 2009)
Two-way temporary road gets green light
By SUE REID
Solon City Council approved a resolution Monday supporting the recommendation of its safety and public works committees for a two-way temporary road on Bainbridge Road to maintain traffic during upcoming discussion.
Voting in favor of the resolution were Council members Susan A. Drucker, Edward K. Suit, Robert N. Pelunis, William I. Russo and Lon D. Stolarsky. Opposing the resolution was Councilman Edward H. Kraus.
The vote included a list of seven contingencies:
*Enforcement of a 20 mph speed limit in the construction zone and all traffic fines in violation doubled.
*The city's engineering or public works department working with residents who want to discuss property issues.
*That there be barriers between the temporary road and residents' homes where appropriate unless they cause line-of-site problems.
*The addition of tree lawn trees once the project is complete.
*That the city will make improvements where sprinkler systems and invisible dog fences on the properties need be removed as part of the construction projects.
*That residents who desire can have the wood from the trees that are cut on their property.
*That the city will handle restoration issues and additional plantings after the project is complete at the city's cost.
The vote followed five months of discussion at committee and council meetings and pleas from residents who live along the road to maintain traffic one way, as has been done with other projects in the city.
"We feel like we haven't been heard," Bainbridge Road resident Mel McNamara told council members. The question that remains unanswered is, "Who requested a two-way road?" she said.
"Residents feel dismissed and talked down to at meetings," Ms. McNamara said. They were spoken to with a prosecutorial tone instead of there being a "sharing of ideas," she said.
"It's been more of a courtroom atmosphere," she said. "We are not being protected by the very people we elected to do just that." Ms. McNamara said the temporary road will do "irreparable damage" to property values.
Councilwoman Susan A. Drucker said she feels for the residents on Bainbridge Road.
"Simple communication in this matter could have eliminated the frustration," Mrs. Drucker said. "In my opinion, the decision was made a long time ago" for the two-way road, and "that is not how we want residents to learn of a project," she said.
"I would not want a two-way road to go through my front yard," Mrs. Drucker said.
Mr. Kraus, who has opposed the two-way road all along, said, although he voted against the resolution, he does support all of the contingencies.
Mrs. Drucker said the contingencies at least give some comfort to residents.
"I hope we learn something from this project and handle things differently in the future," Bainbridge Road resident John Nolan said.
"Our trust in this administration has been damaged, and it needs addressed," Ms. McNamara said. "Protect our families and preserve our homes. You know there's a better way."
[ back ]
