STOP in the name of...

Public Safety! Lately, there has been some commentary about the new Stop Sign erecetd at the intersection of Redmond Rd and Harding Drive. I thought it would be worthwhile to share some background on process that was followed to install this stop sign and the justification for this sign.

Earlier this year, a couple residents who live at the intersection approached me (as the chair of the Public Safety Committee) about their concerns about this dangerous intersection which was completely uncontrolled. I took a look firsthand and agreed to place the item on the agenda for discussion at the next regular Public Safety Committee. The residents attended the meeting and explained their concerns. The Police Chief validated there had been 3 accidents at the intersection and the Committee unanimously agreed to recommend the Stop Sign to the full Board of Trustees. The Stop Sign was discussed at our next Conference Agenda meeting and the recommendation was made to create an Ordinance establishing a Stop Sign at the intersection. At two subsequent meetings, the BOT voted to approve the Stop Sign and no residents came to the meetings to speak against (or for) the sign. (However, residents in the homes surrounding the intersection were informed of the Public Hearing and the proposed Stop Sign by leaflets delivered to their homes).

Since the Stop sign has been installed, some people have actually complained about it. However, I find this quite surprising for a number of reasons:

1. If you travel West (up the hill) on Redmond Rd and want to make a left turn onto Harding Drive, you logically MUST stop in order to confirm there is no cross traffic on Redmond Rd. However, someone traveling through that intersection who is not familiar with the area might not realize that and could easily blow through the uncontrolled intersection. Installing a Stop sign there is logical and simply communicates to people that the North-South cross traffic has the right of way. (which is consistent with the rest of Harding Dr, as well as Mayhew Drive which runs parallel)
2. Placing a Stop sign at the westbound intersection with Harding Dr, is simply consistent with all other streets that intersect with it (Tillou, Twin Oak and Overhill).
3. Some people have actually complained that stopping "uphill" in dangerous, however, nobody has ever expressed that concern about all the numerous other "uphill" stop signs which already exist throughout the neighborhood. In addition, certainly, anyone who has ever been to a place like San Francisco is quite aware of significantly steeper streets with Stop signs (or traffic lights) on "hills".

As with ANY issue, there are always multiple viewpoints and perspectives. However, with this specific issue, I think that adding control to a blind uncontrolled intersection is a small price to pay and the right thing to do to prevent a potential collision and for the sake of Public Safety. I certainly welcome suggestions on other uncontrolled intersections in the Village that should be looked at similarly.