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Villa Rica public works recommends two additional stop signs on Thomas Dorsey Drive after speed study; council seeks further review for school‑hour impacts
Summary
Public Works presented a speed study and recommended adding two stop signs and related signage on Thomas Dorsey Drive to address speeding near an elementary school. Council members raised concerns about pickup/drop‑off traffic flows and potential unintended consequences at Eleanor Walk; staff will review enforcement and timing.
Hale Burch, public works director, presented the results of a multi‑day speed study on Thomas Dorsey Drive and recommended adding two additional stop signs (creating a three‑way stop) and new 25 mph signage to calm traffic near the elementary school.
Burch said the speed study did not meet thresholds for more aggressive traffic calming but that proximity to the school and observed speeding justified stop signs and replacing weathered regulatory signs. Council members welcomed efforts to improve safety but asked detailed questions about how a three‑way stop at Eleanor Walk might affect afternoon pickup patterns.
Nut graf: Council members and staff discussed the potential that a new stop control at Eleanor Walk could create a gap that drivers use to cut into the school pickup queue, increasing traffic on Eleanor Walk during peak pickup times. Councilman Warmoth (first referenced as council during discussion) urged caution because parents line up on Thomas Dorsey and some drivers cut through Eleanor Walk to join the line; a new stop sign could unintentionally encourage more cutting through.
Villa Rica Police Chief Michael Mansour and public works staff confirmed the speed counter captured peak violations around 8 a.m., but that the study covered weekdays including weekends to capture varied patterns. Council members asked staff to double‑check sign replacements noted as damaged and to return with more data and potential alternative measures (timed enforcement, temporary signage, or targeted education) to avoid worsening school‑hour congestion.
Ending: The council did not place the item on the consent agenda; staff will follow up with additional analysis and consider enforcement options with police.
