Wooster mayor urges timely action on ‘peanut’ roundabout as residents press concerns

The Wooster mayor told the City Council on Feb. 18 that the city should proceed with a planned “peanut” roundabout at the intersection of Elm, Cleveland Road and Bell to avoid future traffic congestion as residential, institutional and commercial development comes online.

"I strongly believe that the peanut is necessary and that now is the time to do it," the mayor said, arguing that development in the area will otherwise make the intersection "impassable for large stretches of every school day." He said county commissioners have indicated a willingness to sacrifice county land to minimize property takings and that any required takings will be compensated under Ohio law and the U.S. Constitution.

Why it matters: city officials say the roundabout is intended to head off predictable congestion and safety problems as traffic…