Council debates adding golf-cart crossing at Willow Street; safety and truck traffic cited

The Effingham City Council on Dec. 17 discussed a proposed amendment to the city—s golf-cart ordinance to add a crossing at Willow Street and Grove that would give Homewood subdivision direct access to the rest of town.

Director Harmon introduced the request and told the council Willow is a state highway with an average daily traffic (ADT) of about 7,280 and a posted speed limit of 35 mph. "This was specifically so that Homewood Subdivision would have a way to cross, Willow and to access the rest of the city," Harmon said.

Several council members expressed caution. One member warned of heavy truck traffic and said, "I need about 900 trucks a day that go by there," noting there is no stop sign at the crossing location and that vehicles often exceed the posted limit. Another member said the intersection is potentially dangerous for children and discouraged unrestricted use.

Council members discussed permitting as a mitigation: if the map is amended, golf-cart crossings would be permitted at designated crossing points, applicants would obtain permits from the police department and signage would be installed at Willow and Grove. Several members asked for neighborhood input before a final vote.

Council concluded by agreeing to place the map amendment on the next meeting agenda for "discussion and approval," giving staff direction to prepare permit and signage language for consideration.

Next steps: the council will hear the item again at the next meeting with neighborhood input and proposed permit language and signage.