Homewood committee sets public hearing on Oxmoor Road traffic calming after speed and volume data

The Homewood Public Safety Committee on May 19 voted to set a public hearing for July 14 to consider installing traffic-calming devices on the west end of Oxmoor Road near North Moore Drive and Oak Moore Drive after staff presented speed and volume data and residents described safety risks.

City staff said recent speed studies measured routinely higher speeds than the 25 mph limit on segments of Oxmoor Road. City staff member Kale said the studies were done at two locations — in front of 133 Oxmoor Road and 148 Oxmoor Road — and that measured speeds were in the low-to-mid 30s miles per hour. "The speed limit here is 25," Kale said while summarizing the data, and staff reported a rise in nearby development and nearly 300–400 new apartments that factor into traffic concerns.

The committee heard residents' and members' concerns about the type of device to use. One speaker described earlier installations on Roseland Street that used temporary rubber speed cushions and said they caused vehicle damage, including flat tires and other mechanical problems. Councilor Aleman said the committee should explore a more permanent option: "I would love to have an exploration as to a speed table that would be more permanent and maybe less rubbery," he said, adding that a permanent asphalt or similar installation might avoid the maintenance and safety problems reported with temporary rubber devices.

Members also discussed broader policy considerations. Councilor James urged a comprehensive study to understand whether calming one street would divert traffic to adjacent streets — a common consequence the committee has sought to avoid in past installations. Committee members noted that Oxmoor's layout limits alternate local cut-through routes and that major traffic would be directed back to Oxmoor Boulevard.

Staff clarified procedural steps and funding. A staff member said the city's traffic-calming policy had been followed for this location except that the usual petition step had not yet been completed; committee members agreed to proceed with public notice. City staff member Smith confirmed city budgeted funds would cover the work under discussion: "We have $60,000 budgeted," Smith said.

After discussion, a motion to set a public hearing for July 14 was made and seconded by Councilor Nelms. The committee voted 4-0 in favor; the record shows Councilor Gulding, Councilor Wolverson, Councilor Bridal and Councilor Nelms voting aye. Committee members asked staff to prepare the public-notice materials and return with design options that avoid the temporary rubber devices referenced in the discussion.

Next steps: the item will be publicly noticed and carried over to the committee and council with a public hearing scheduled for July 14, where final device selection and any required approvals will be considered.