During a recent government meeting, community members voiced significant concerns regarding traffic safety and neighborhood preservation along University Parkway and surrounding areas. The discussions highlighted the absence of residential driveways on University Parkway, contrasting with the more than 40 driveways in nearby neighborhoods. Residents urged city officials to consider redirecting traffic onto University Parkway to alleviate congestion and protect the character of their neighborhoods.
One key proposal involved safeguarding mature trees from being removed for road widening, emphasizing the community's desire to maintain the area's aesthetic and environmental integrity. Residents expressed frustration with current speed limits, advocating for a reduction from 30 mph to 25 mph to enhance safety, particularly for children commuting to local schools. The need for increased traffic enforcement was also a recurring theme, with many attendees noting a lack of police presence to monitor speeding in residential areas.
Concerns were raised about the intersection of 22100 North and 2320 North, where residents have been advocating for a traffic light for seven years. Community councils have supported this initiative, highlighting the intersection's significance for school traffic.
The meeting also touched on broader traffic management strategies, including the potential for roundabouts and median modifications to improve safety without resorting to widening roads to five lanes, which many residents believe would compromise neighborhood character. The community plans to hold a follow-up meeting to further discuss these issues and explore solutions collaboratively.