Resident asks DeKalb council to add stop signs on Larson Street; staff to follow up with engineer

Janet Shearer, a recent resident of the Larson Street development, told the DeKalb City Council on Jan. 27 that intersections on Larson and the adjacent Mason segment lack stop or yield signs and that she witnessed a driver failing to stop.

“I have grandsons that will be driving soon… I am asking you to consider putting a stop sign on Larson Street. This would entail 2 stop signs,” Shearer said, noting she believes traffic volume, speed, visibility and accident history are the usual engineering considerations and referencing the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices by name.

Mayor and staff directed the comment to the city engineer and the resident’s alderman. The City Manager said staff had already collected Shearer’s contact information and that he had spoken with the city engineer; staff will connect with the resident the following day to review maps and the request.

Why it matters: the request pertains to neighborhood traffic safety where residents and council members agreed an engineering review is the appropriate next step. Shearer asked for two stop signs and specifically referenced MUTCD criteria used by traffic engineers.

What’s next: city staff will follow up with the resident and the city engineer to review traffic volumes, sightlines and crash history and report back to the council or the resident with recommendations.