05/23/88 Board of Public Works Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MAY 23, 1988 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: REFERRAL OF CONCERNS REGARDING THE POSTING OF 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT SIGNS ON OAKCREST DRIVE IN BERCLIFF ESTATES TO THE BUREAU OF TRAFFIC AND LIGHTING Mrs. Christine Rinderle, 3602 Oakcrest Drive, South Bend, Indiana, was present and addressed the Board in regard to the recent installation of 30 MPH speed limit signs on Oakcrest Drive in Bercliff Estates. Mrs. Rinderle advised that due to the terrain factors on Oakcrest Drive she believes the 30 MPH speed limit signs should be replaced with 15 or 20 MPH speed limit signs. Mrs. Rinderle utilized a diagram of the area to indicate areas causing concern such as hills, bushes, shady areas and curves. She also advised that 26th Street has 20 MPH speed limit signs posted. Mrs. Rinderle further stated that she has lived on Oakcrest for thirteen (13) years and is familiar with the location of the stop sign in the area and is prepared to stop. However, motorists not familiar with the area have missed the stop sign. She informed the Board that as there are no sidewalks on Oakcrest, and because there are sharp turns and vehicles parked on the road, it is reasonable to say that if 26th Street, with sidewalks, can have 20 MPH speed limit posted, the current 30 MPH signs posted on Oakcrest should be replaced with 15 or 20 MPH speed limit signs signs. Mrs. Rinderle also stated that she understands that the Petition submitted by residents of Bercliff Estates to temporarily close 35th Street to alleviate the additional traffic passing through the neighborhood as a shortcut, was denied. She stated that she understands that motorists have a right of passage but requested that they be passed through safely. Mrs. Rinderle informed the Board that with the opening of Logan Street in the near future, the above indicated problems will not be resolved. She stated that it is a serious problem and that as a concerned parent she would like to go on record that if there is a tragedy, there will be litigation as the Board now knows of the problem that exists. In conclusion, she stated that she hopes the Board will take this concern under consideration. Mr. Leszczynski inquired of Mrs. Rinderele if her request therefore was the removal of 30 MPH speed limit signs and replacement with 20 MPH speed limit signs. She responded by advising that she believes that 15 to 20 MPH speed limit signs are reasonable. Mr. Leszczynski further stated that letters could be written to property owners advising them that sidewalks be installed but the other concerns would also need to be addressed. He.further stated that Bercliff Estates has had a 30 MPH speed limit since the subdivision was built whether the appropriate signs were posted or not. Mrs. Rinderle then inquired why 26th Street could have 20 MPH speed limit signs even though they have sidewalks and no curves or hills. Mr. Leszczynski inquired of Mrs. Rinderle how many accidents occurred in the areas she indicated above. She advised that she did not have those statistics but knows of some close calls. Mr. Leszczynski advised that no accidents have occurred at those locations. Mrs. Rinderle stated that the residents of the area know the different factors that must be taken into consideration when they drive through but other people coming through do not know the area and there are accidents waiting to happen.