06/13/88 Board of Public Works Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 13, 1988 REQUEST FOR CHANGE OF SPEED LIMIT IN BERCLIFF ESTATES - REFERRED Mr. Leszczynski advised that the Board is in receipt of a letter from 3rd District Councilman William Soderberg and read the letter as follows into the record: June 10, 1988 Mr. John Leszczynski, President Board of Public Works 13th Floor County -City Bldg. South Bend, IN 46601 Dear Mr. Leszczynski: I am writing to you on behalf of the residential association for the Bercliff Housing Area, located in the Third District of South Bend. As you are aware, 30 mph speed limit signs have been placed in the area, and it is our feeling that the board needs to evaluate and reduce the speed to 20 mph to eliminate health and safety hazards that exist because of the higher speed limit. We are aware that the speed limit in the area has been 30 mph in the past, however, the posting of the speed limit is indicating to people unfamiliar with the conditions that exist there, that it is safe for them to drive at that speed. We feel it is not safe for people to drive in the development at that speed. We would pray upon the wisdom of the board to exercise its responsibility and request that the limits be posted to 20 mph from the 30 mph position. We are also aware of the fact that traffic demands are high in the area because of the construction on the Loan St. project. We know that when the project is completed that the traffic demands will be lessened in the area. But the area is left with the residue of that project by having the posted 30 mph speed limit. Please take under advisement the above mentioned items and consider the request to reduce the speed and eliminate any future potential dangerous accidents. Sincerely, s/William Soderberg 3rd District Councilman Mr. Soderberg was present and advised the Board that he did spend time with residents in the area of Bercliff Estates regarding the above indicated problems. He stated that there is an inordinate amount of speed through the subdivision due to the posting of the 30 MPH speed limits signs. Mr. Soderberg stated that it is believed that motorists think that if the limit is 30 MPH it is OK to drive at 35 MPH or higher. The situation becomes dangerous due to the darkness of the area caused by the numerous trees and bushes, the lack of sidewalks and the fact that the streets do curve and wind. Mr. Soderberg recounted for the Board an incident in which he was nearly struck in the Bercliff Estates area at the time he met with the residents to discuss these problems. Mr. Soderberg reiterated statements made in his letter and further stated that motorists utilizing Bercliff Estates as a shortcut through the area will remember the shortcut even when Logan Street is reopened. Mr. Soderberg advised that residents of Bercliff Estates are also present today to confirm statements made. Mrs. Anne Schmiedeler, 205 Devonshire, addressed the Board and stated that the area is quite hilly with curves and cars are screeching around the corners all the time. She showed members 1