Resident asks for 'hidden drive' signs on Parker Road; board refers trimming and maintenance work to street department

A resident asked the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety on Oct. 6 to install “hidden drive” caution signs on Parker Road where Woodside Drive intersects a curve, citing near misses, an observed accident and increased pedestrian traffic near schools and apartments.

The resident, Steve Novak (120 Woodside Drive), provided photos and a written packet documenting an accident and near misses dating to February and described visibility problems caused by vegetation and a curve. City Engineer Tim Warner told the board he saw vegetation encroaching into the right of way and said the sight line near a utility pole was impaired; he recommended right-of-way clearing and said trimming would likely resolve the visibility problem. A traffic-data vendor’s trial report indicated 90th‑percentile speeds of about 30–35 mph in the area; the police commander said recorded accidents were limited (one documented crash) and that vegetation trimming would likely address most concerns.

Public commenters agreed maintenance and trimming of vegetation would be a better first step than additional signage; others suggested cross-traffic warnings or adjusting the speed limit as part of a formal traffic study. After discussion the board voted unanimously to refer the request to the city engineer and the street and sanitation departments, directed Engineer Warner to coordinate the cleanup (including measuring sight lines from utility poles), and requested a report back at the board’s next meeting so staff can confirm whether trimming and maintenance or signage and further traffic study are needed.

The board emphasized that if trimming does not resolve the safety issue staff should return with options for striping, signage, or a traffic study.