During a recent government meeting, community members expressed significant concerns regarding a proposed development and its potential impact on traffic and pedestrian safety. Residents voiced their worries about increased traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, and the safety of pedestrians in the area.
One resident, Penny Cordero, highlighted her daily experiences walking her dog and running in the neighborhood, emphasizing that the influx of new vehicles could compromise safety. She recounted instances of near misses at intersections, raising alarms about the adequacy of current traffic studies to address pedestrian safety. Cordero's plea underscored a broader sentiment among residents who fear that the development could lead to hazardous conditions for walkers and cyclists.
Traffic engineers responded to inquiries about the development's impact on local traffic patterns, noting that they had conducted sight distance evaluations and recommended the installation of additional stop signs at key intersections. However, they clarified that their studies did not specifically focus on existing pedestrian accommodations, which left some residents feeling unheard.
Another resident, Annette Capuccio, raised questions about maintaining a wood line buffer between her property and the new development, as well as the relocation of mailboxes to enhance safety. The officials assured her that existing trees would remain untouched if they were not in the development area.
Concerns about public notice for the meeting were also raised, with residents questioning the adequacy of communication regarding the development plans. Officials confirmed that legal notices had been posted but acknowledged that some residents felt uninformed about the implications of the project.
As discussions continued, the community's apprehension about the balance between development and safety remained a focal point, with residents advocating for more comprehensive traffic and pedestrian safety studies to ensure their neighborhood remains a safe place to live and walk.