Council approves first reading, waives second reading for 3-way stop on White Street

City Council members voted unanimously June 18 to approve a first reading and waive the second reading of an ordinance amendment that would incorporate a three‑way stop at Martin Lane (also called Tall Pines Drive) and formally add an existing stop at Tara Road into the city traffic code.

Planning staff said the locations were part of the White Street reconstructed plan developed with public input beginning in 2022 and that the traffic calming features—plus a traffic table near Belfast Acres—are expected to slow drivers and create a safer midpoint on the street. The staff packet included a diagram and highlighted language to change chapter 58, article 2, section 44 (stop signs) to reflect the additions.

Two residents who spoke during open public comment—Emily Wesson and Peter Millard—had urged traffic‑calming measures and a three‑way stop on White Street to address speed and protect elderly and disabled neighbors. Planning staff noted that construction is underway with anticipated completion by the end of August.

Councilor Neil (motion to amend) moved to waive the second reading, saying he did not anticipate opposition after neighborhood outreach and construction alignment; the motion to waive carried and the first‑reading approval was recorded as 5–0.

The council scheduled any required follow-up and directed staff to finalize ordinance language and implementation details as the construction schedule advances. Because the body adopted the language on first reading and waived the usual second reading, the change is positioned to be implemented in coordination with the remainder of the White Street project.