Council approves speed breaker near Pastor Danny Robinson's church after resident testimony

The Helena-West Helena City Council voted to support installation of a speed-calming device on the east side of the railroad near Arkansas and Biscoe after Pastor Danny Robinson and neighborhood residents described recurring reckless driving and a recent injury.

"We need a speed breaker over there," Pastor Danny Robinson told the council, describing his wife's fall and the neighborhood's vulnerability. He said a nearby food bank and a concentration of seniors made traffic calming especially urgent.

Council members discussed options including one device versus two (one in each direction) and whether to use temporary speed bumps or a heavier, road‑grade installation capable of withstanding 18-wheel truck traffic. Members noted past complaints about fender-benders in the area and emphasized staff should pick equipment suitable for truck loads.

A motion to support a speed‑calming alteration was made and seconded; a roll call showed council members present voted in favor and the motion passed. The clerk and staff will mark the requested location and coordinate with the Street/Sanitation Department on specification and installation, financial limits and timing.

Next steps: council directed staff to identify exact placement, confirm costs and meet with the requester for site marking. No budget appropriation beyond routine department authority was recorded in the meeting minutes; staff said they can manage typical small installations within existing street maintenance limits but will return if the work exceeds procurement or budget thresholds.