Residents praise temporary removal of speed bump; city to present traffic-calming study and options

A Punta Gorda resident told the council the temporary pause on speed-bump installation made his neighborhood noticeably quieter and urged officials to delay permanent installation until a study is complete; staff said alternatives will be presented and that physical devices are on hand.

John Nagy, a Southeast Side resident, said he has lived in Punta Gorda since 2010 and thanked council for temporarily holding speed-bump installation, adding, “You would not believe how much quieter and how much nicer it is. It’s back like it was in 2010.” He asked the council to “hold it off until a study can be done, and let’s research it thoroughly.”

Ron Evers of Public Works told council the speed bumps have been purchased and are staged in the city yard; staff are waiting for asphalt to cure before installation. He said Urban Design will bring a presentation covering speed bumps, speed tables and other calming options and that staff have collected speed counts and other data to help recommend the appropriate device.

Chief Pam Smith said the department’s radar trailer records speed data and counts and that staff are gathering that information for the upcoming presentation. A member of the public asked that the radar be moved to gather data on both sides of the corridor; staff confirmed that has been done.

No formal council decision was made at the pre-agenda meeting; the city will bring the traffic-calming options and collected data to a future agenda item for council consideration.