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Residents ask Shelbyville council to cut North Jefferson speed limit to 20 mph
Summary
Neighbors of North Jefferson Street urged the Shelbyville City Council to reduce the posted speed limit from 30 to 20 mph, citing frequent cut‑through traffic, children playing in the historic district, one reported crash and multiple citizen requests for traffic calming and a safety study.
Nick, a resident of North Jefferson Street, told the Shelbyville City Council at a study session that drivers routinely use the historic district as a cut‑through from busy Madison Street and that the posted speed limit of 30 mph is too fast for the short block. “We respectfully request that the posted speed limit on our historic street and district be reduced to 20 miles an hour to improve safety and preserve historic charm,” he said, adding that neighbors counted about 10 children who live and play on the block and that residents have met with police about speeding.
A neighbor who identified himself as Igor supported the request and described a hit‑and‑run in November 2021 that totaled a parked car, saying the neighborhood should not “wait for an accident to happen.” Both speakers urged a traffic safety study, signage and traffic‑calming measures; Nick said he collected a petition with roughly 20 signatures in support.
City staff told the council that speed humps may not be allowed on public roads and recommended a formal process before any change. The council’s staff noted the typical steps: a traffic study, review by relevant departments, and planning‑commission or council action if a permanent change is proposed. The council did not vote on the request at the study session.
The comments came during the public‑comment period of the March study session; council members thanked the speakers and said staff would follow up about next steps, including the possibility of a traffic study and increased enforcement.
The council did not adopt any change at the meeting; any change to speed limits or installation of calming devices would require staff review and formal council action at a later meeting.
