Residents urge stop signs, speed humps after traffic increases on Landmark Drive

Steve Gridonis, a Landmark Drive resident, told the Public Works, Properties and Sustainability Committee that cut-through traffic from nearby commercial developments is increasing speeds and volume on Landmark Drive and asked the village to “investigate that situation, please.”

The request followed public comments at the committee meeting on speeding and stop-sign violations near the intersection of Landmark Drive and Michelle (sometimes referred to as Michelle Lane). Resident Beth Kuchar, who said she lives “about 2 blocks away” at 404 Melissa Lane, said she started an online petition after an April 28 incident and urged the committee to “reinstate the stop sign” removed earlier and to consider speed bumps or increased patrols.

The committee’s discussion raised several traffic-calming options and practical constraints. Committee member Chris and others recommended getting input from the village engineer and police chief before installing permanent devices. Village engineer Josh described the difference between speed bumps and speed humps and noted Madison and Monona use “tabletop” or speed-hump designs for pedestrian crossings; he said those designs are easier on plows than traditional speed bumps. Committee members and staff also noted complaints residents commonly raise about noise from speed humps and impacts on low-profile vehicles.

Kyla, a public-works staff member, said long-term steps such as adding locations to the capital improvements plan may be necessary for larger changes. She also said dead-end streets in the village exist because they abut town properties, and that blocking Landmark Drive entirely would have safety and emergency-response implications.

Committee members asked Josh to review a short list of intersections — including Michelle and Landmark and the nearby Commerce/Gaston area — and provide comments for the next meeting on stop signs, speed humps, mini traffic circles, raised intersections, painted traffic calming, and temporary bollards. Several members said they are willing to act without a full traffic-impact study for small local stop-sign changes but want professional input on specific locations first. The committee did not take a formal vote on any new signs or devices; staff were directed to evaluate and return with recommendations.

Speakers at the meeting also flagged that a three-way intersection near the discussed area is a bus stop used by elementary school children, and that any changes should consider pedestrian safety.

The committee scheduled further discussion of traffic calming for its next monthly meeting and requested engineering and police comments on the intersections identified during this session.