Residents of Edmond are voicing strong concerns over a proposed development that could significantly impact their neighborhood. During a recent Planning Commission meeting, discussions centered around plans for 8 to 10 duplexes and a potential restaurant near Memorial Road, raising alarms about increased traffic and safety issues.

Local resident Debbie Pierce highlighted the limited access to her neighborhood, which only has two entrances on Memorial Road. She expressed fears that adding more duplexes would exacerbate traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. "If there's a catastrophe on Memorial, we are dead in the water," she warned, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of traffic flow and safety.

Concerns about traffic were echoed by other residents, including Kathy Wallace, who urged the commission to ensure sidewalks are included in the development plans. "With Edmond trying to be a walkable community, it would be nice if we put some consideration into that," she stated, noting the absence of sidewalks along Memorial Road.

Michael Schneider, another resident, raised issues about lighting from the proposed buildings shining into backyards, suggesting that the developers should ensure lights are directed inward to minimize disruption. He also requested that existing cedar trees along the property line be preserved to help buffer the neighborhood from the new development.

The developers responded to these concerns, indicating that they are committed to working with city staff to address traffic and lighting issues. They clarified that while the current proposal does not include sidewalks, they are not exempt from future requirements for sidewalks adjacent to public rights-of-way.

As the Planning Commission continues to evaluate the proposal, residents remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the development will align with the community's needs and safety concerns. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential adjustments to the plans to ensure a balance between development and neighborhood integrity.