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Neighbors ask for traffic study as city moves redevelopment authority item forward
Summary
Alder Galvin pulled an item from the Redevelopment Authority report so neighbors could speak about a proposed extension of Danz Avenue and related traffic impacts; the council approved the remainder of the report and staff said DPW would determine whether a traffic study is required.
Alder Galvin pulled item 1 from the Redevelopment Authority report June 24 after a registered resident raised safety concerns about a proposed roadway extension and the additional traffic it would bring to Danz Avenue near Preble High School.
Cindy Schwalbe, who said she has lived on North Danz Avenue for 40 years, told the council that extending the street would add “40 more households dumping into the section between Preble High School and Danz School” and said, “I think at the minimum, a safety or traffic study should be done.”
Alder Prophet asked whether the development agreement requires a traffic impact analysis. Director Raniere Wigg (Community and Economic Development) said the agreement’s Section E(3) requires developer approval for a traffic impact analysis by the city, the Redevelopment Authority and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Wigg added that whether a formal traffic study is required would depend on the Department of Public Works’ assessment of traffic volume.
Director Houston (Department of Public Works) told the council, “I would need to talk to our traffic engineer about that.” The council opened the floor for public comment, heard Schwalbe’s statements and then closed public testimony. The remainder of the Redevelopment Authority report was approved; the pulled item will be handled separately as the project proceeds through plan commission and permitting processes.
Schwalbe raised additional neighborhood safety concerns, including frequent mailbox strikes and school-related congestion, and urged the council not to approve the extension without addressing those issues. Council members and staff said DPW and the traffic engineer would determine whether a traffic-impact analysis is warranted under the development agreement.
