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Pickering Hill Farms owner warns lane changes are creating safety and business disruptions
Summary
Owner Jay Pickering told Council overnight construction removed a traffic lane and placed 58 orange barrels across his frontage, creating visibility and safety hazards ahead of the farm's May 7 opening; City Engineer Ryan Cummins said he contacted the contractor, who removed some barrels and added signage, and pledged further coordination.
Jay Pickering, owner of Pickering Hill Farms, described how overnight construction on April 9 removed a traffic lane and installed 58 orange barrels across the farm's frontage, creating hazardous visibility issues for customers entering and exiting the parking lot and concerns for cyclists and pedestrians.
"The timing is particularly problematic as Pickering Hill Farms opens May 7th for their six-month season... He emphasized safety concerns for both vehicular traffic and cyclists, noting many children bike to Bentley Park through the area. He also noted there was no place for someone to pull over during an emergency," Pickering said. He estimated 500–600 customers each Saturday and Sunday during the busy season and asked for an immediate meeting with the City Engineer and construction representatives to explore alternatives.
City Engineer Ryan Cummins said he had spoken with Pickering and contacted the construction manager, K.E. McCartney, who removed some barrels and added business entrance signage over the weekend. Cummins said alternatives and cost analyses were requested but that any changes must meet ODOT safety standards and contractor scheduling. Council members expressed support for expediting solutions and offered to participate in site meetings.
