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Neighbors urge delay to Shell Road pilot as staff defends trial plan
Summary
Residents told the council the proposed Shell Road/Greenbrier street closures would disrupt emergency access and route traffic into private driveways; staff said the measure would preserve pedestrian access, emergency vehicle passage, and could be run as a 30/60/90‑day pilot to test impacts before permanent changes.
Multiple residents addressed the council about a proposed pilot to restrict vehicular access on portions of Shell Road and adjacent streets. Franklin Chambers said closures would force cut‑through traffic into private driveways and could complicate emergency response; Charlene Thompson said a recent 4‑way stop had failed to slow drivers and suggested a traffic signal or automated enforcement. "I don't understand, how this decision was made and how that's gonna help the neighborhood," Chambers said, urging reconsideration.
City staff responded that the pilot was presented at an earlier afternoon session and that Public Works recommended a trial period (30, 60 or 90 days) to test behavioral assumptions. Staff said barricades would block vehicular access but leave pedestrian and school bus walkways open, and that vehicles capable of servicing emergencies and solid-waste pickup would be accommodated. Staff also acknowledged notification to neighbors was slower than intended and committed to additional outreach and follow up with Mr. Mitchell, the Public Works director, for technical questions.
Several speakers asked for temporary measures such as rumble strips or speed humps and asked for better neighborhood polling and notification before permanent changes.
