Residents press supervisors on neighborhood traffic and animal welfare during public comment

During the meeting’s public comment period, multiple residents from Lowery/Lowrey Acres described growing cut‑through traffic and speeding on Charlton Road and asked the board to seek a VDOT traffic study, install no‑through‑traffic signage and consider a four‑way stop at Charlton and White Pine Drive. Speakers said nearby developments and an apartment complex have increased traffic and that children wait at a nearby bus stop.

County staff later reported they had previously run a traffic study and that traffic engineers had not recommended a four‑way stop; staff said they would request updated published counts and coordinate additional enforcement with the sheriff's traffic interdiction team. Supervisors asked staff to re‑examine counts and potential signage; the sheriff’s office indicated it would assist with enforcement.

Separately, a Russell Springs resident reported a long‑running animal‑neglect situation at an apparently vacated house where neighbors observed starved dogs, severe odor and evidence of dead animals. The resident said a neighbor’s prior visit found animals inside and that the property might need condemnation; the speaker asked the board and sheriff’s office to act to remove the hazard and protect property values.

Supervisors thanked the speakers, acknowledged the concerns and directed staff to contact VDOT for an updated count and to coordinate with the sheriff’s office about the reported animal‑safety issue.