Residents Demand Action on Safety Amid New Development Concerns

Residents of Hawthorne Valley voiced significant concerns during a recent government meeting regarding the proposed development of additional homes in their neighborhood. The discussions highlighted fears over safety, traffic congestion, and the adequacy of local infrastructure to support the anticipated growth.

Community members expressed alarm over the potential risks posed by increased traffic, particularly from heavy construction vehicles and delivery trucks. One resident recounted a harrowing experience from the previous winter when icy conditions trapped families in the neighborhood for over 12 hours, raising concerns about emergency access for first responders. The lack of sidewalks and speed control measures further exacerbated fears for children's safety, as parents worried about their kids riding bikes or walking in the streets.

Several speakers called for a postponement of the development until local infrastructure, including roads and schools, could adequately accommodate the influx of new residents. They emphasized that the existing schools were already at maximum capacity and that the additional homes would only worsen the situation.

In response, representatives from the development company, LGI, assured the community of their commitment to safety and responsible construction practices. They outlined plans to implement speed limits for construction traffic and to make improvements to Central Pike, which is currently struggling to handle existing traffic volumes. The developers also noted that they had preserved open spaces and pond areas for community use, despite not being legally required to do so.

The meeting underscored a tension between the rights of property owners to develop their land and the community's desire for safety and quality of life. While the developers argued that they were following all legal requirements and had received necessary approvals, residents remained skeptical about the implications of increased traffic and the adequacy of emergency access.

As the planning commission deliberates on the development proposal, the concerns raised by Hawthorne Valley residents reflect broader issues of urban planning and community safety in the face of rapid growth.