The City of Dayton Planning Commission meeting held on November 7, 2024, focused on several pressing community concerns, particularly regarding traffic issues and proposed developments in the area. Residents voiced their frustrations during the open forum, highlighting the impact of increased industrial traffic on local roads and the need for improved drainage solutions.
One resident, Lee Hall, raised concerns about a proposed gas station that would be located just minutes away from three existing stations. He questioned the necessity of another gas station and expressed frustration over ongoing drainage problems that have affected his property. Hall emphasized the importance of having a solid drainage plan, citing past neglect of his concerns regarding flooding issues.
Another resident, Mike Netsinger, addressed the growing problem of heavy industrial traffic on residential streets, particularly on 117th Avenue North. He pointed out that the current road infrastructure may not be suitable for the volume and weight of trucks, which pose safety risks, especially for children living in the area. Netsinger urged the city council to enforce weight limits and consider rerouting heavy traffic to appropriate highways.
Echoing Netsinger's concerns, another resident, **** Ryerson, noted the increase in large trucks in the neighborhood and suggested utilizing existing roads for industrial traffic to alleviate the burden on residential streets. He proposed minor adjustments to property lines to facilitate better truck navigation.
Scott Schutte, a long-time resident, raised a separate issue regarding traffic safety at the intersection of Territorial and East French Lake Road. He called for the installation of a three-way stop to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents, particularly with the rise in traffic volume.
The discussions during the meeting underscored the community's growing concerns about infrastructure and safety as Dayton continues to develop. Residents are looking for proactive measures from the city council to address these issues effectively. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to consider the residents' feedback in future planning efforts.