Villa Rica tables proposed stop signs at Eleanor Walk; council seeks one‑way study to ease school traffic

The Villa Rica City Council on March 11 tabled a proposal to install stop signs at Thomas Dorsey Drive and Eleanor Walk and asked staff to return in April with a public‑notice plan tied to a possible one‑way conversion for Eleanor Walk.

Councilmembers and public works staff said a speed study showed calming measures were not fully warranted but that school traffic and vehicle stacking during drop‑off remained a safety concern. Public Works staff described a recommended approach discussed with Carroll County Schools that would pair a stop sign with making Eleanor Walk one‑way to prevent vehicles staging on Eleanor Walk from backing into Highway 78 at peak times.

The matter drew public comment and questions from several council members. A resident who identified himself as Dennis Brown pressed council about East Side growth and road capacity, saying the city has “over $700,000 in your restricted budget for a project called the Connors Road Pass A Park” and that traffic on Punkintown Road and nearby arteries already is worsening as new subdivisions are built. Brown and other speakers said residents have not seen clear, accessible information about road improvements tied to recent growth.

At the council table, Councilwoman Warmoth said she supported traffic calming but would not approve stop signs without a firm plan to make Eleanor Walk one‑way. “If we’re not able to add in here a stipulation of with a one way, I’m not comfortable approving the stop signs,” she said during the discussion. Public Works staff described meetings on site with Carroll County School transportation and safety personnel; the group concluded the one‑way conversion would likely eliminate the most dangerous stacking and cut‑through behavior at school arrival and dismissal times.

Council also requested greater police enforcement during school hours if signage is installed, citing officer reports and school staff observations that drivers frequently fail to stop and sometimes drive on the wrong side of narrow blocks to pass queued cars. Members noted that making Eleanor Walk one‑way requires public notice and a formal process; absent that, several council members argued it would be premature to adopt stop signs alone.

The council voted unanimously to table the stop‑sign item until the April regular meeting so staff can prepare required notice and a linked one‑way proposal for public hearing and review.

The council and staff said they will present a clearer timeline and public information when the item returns in April; in the meantime staff said traffic and safety documentation will be posted when available.