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Neighbors and public-works director at odds over Elwyn Park traffic-calming design
Summary
A resident criticized a proposed Elwyn Park traffic-calming project Aug. 4, saying current plans widen pavement and favor higher vehicle speeds; Public Works Director Peter Rice said design is not finalized, the first phase near Dondero School has broad support and the project includes drainage fixes triggered by adding sidewalks.
A dispute over the design of an Elwyn Park traffic-calming and sidewalk project surfaced at the Aug. 4 council meeting when a resident objected to what he described as a road-widening design that would encourage faster driving.
Tyler Garza, who lives in the Elwyn Park area, said the current design uses a 36.5-foot right-of-way in front of his house where existing widths are 26–29 feet. He said traffic-calming should reduce asphalt and slow vehicles; he criticized project documents that he said favored drainage and vehicle-flow improvements rather than calming.
Public Works Director Peter Rice told the council the design is not finalized. Rice said the project is being phased, that the first phase focuses on areas near Dondero School and that storm-drain upgrades are necessary because installing sidewalks can channelize runoff and require downstream drainage improvements. He said some sections have reached consensus while others — including the stretch by Garza’s house — are still under review.
Councilors urged continued neighborhood engagement and noted that sidewalk projects often require drainage work and right-of-way adjustments. Rice said the city will continue public outreach and refine designs before construction.
Action: No council vote; public comment elicited additional design review and a staff commitment to continue neighborhood engagement and to phase the project so the most agreed-upon improvements proceed first.
