Comments on: Update for Non-Motorized Transit Plan

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:15:52 +0000

To follow a statement about moderation of comments on a different thread, I’d like to thank my fellow Chronicle commenters for making this a lively and really useful forum. I often learn so much from your comments (as is true for this thread). A number of issues have been worked through with lots of good information and a display of humor. I’m grateful that you are so Generous.

By: A2person

A2person — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:33:48 +0000

Thanks for the info, everyone. I’ve joined the FB page and I’ll contact Mr. Pirooz.

By: abc

abc — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:53:03 +0000

I agree that there are certain local roads where the speed limit seems to be too low AND where it seems perfectly safe to let cars go a little faster. Huron Parkway is a prime candidate.

However I think Newport is not. It is windy and sight distances are limited. It is also narrow with less room for corrections. And the houses, trees and brush are close enough to the road to slow me down (and that is saying a lot.)

Streets that are boulevards should be considered as such; streets that are winding back roads should be kept slower. As Mr. Johnson aptly observed, “…it’s the street that should be changed rather than the speed limit.” I wholeheartedly agree. I have many time sworn at the police car sitting on South Main (AAG&O property) waiting for someone to come over the hill faster than 35 mph. That road was built to be driven faster. At least I think it is.

By: bebezv

bebezv — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:51:45 +0000

A2Person, The officials at the meeting said the options would be available online but I haven't seen them up, yet. You could contact Sabra Briere or Homayoon Pirooz (hpiroozATa2govDOTorg) Mr. Pirooz manages the Engineering Dept for the City and he was present at the meeting. He could send you in the right direction for information. As an aside, the sidewalk option is expensive for those living on Newport and it will also affect the look and feel of Newport. A couple of payment options were mentioned during the meeting-1. an expanded assessment district to more widely share the cost and/or 2. solicit donations from residents and others (eg. bicyclists) who utilize Newport to help offset the cost. Also, we are trying to get a Facebook page going for this issue. Here is a link if you're interested. [link]

By: sabra briere

sabra briere — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:41:31 +0000

Re #19: Contact your Council members, or email Homayoon Pirooz (hpirooz#a2gov.org). Your comments will be added to those of others, and you can ask to be added to the contact list at the same time.

Notices were sent out by members of the City Staff, but I don’t have a list. I also included the notice in a newsletter.

There will be a web page developed that will include meeting notices, survey opportunities, and feedback that the staff receives. Your input, added to that of others, helps shape the outcome.

By: A2person

A2person — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:47:14 +0000

Bebezv,
I wish I had known about this meeting! Are there minutes from the meeting? Who should I contact to give my input about sidewalks and such?

By: bebezv

bebezv — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:55:01 +0000

There was a public meeting held on November 15th at Wines Elem. regarding installing safety features on Newport Road. The City proposed several options including bike lanes, sidewalks and a "meandering path." This seems to be in response to the outcry over the raising of the speed limit on Newport. The city is being threatened with a lawsuit if they do not raise the speed limit. At a previous meeting regarding the speed limit increase the DA and AAPD both stated that there is currently no speed enforcement on Newport since the tickets won't "hold up in court" due to the state code and lawsuit. Incidentally, at the Sept. 20th meeting regarding the speed limit, city officials seemed quite surprised that school bus service had been so drastically cut for children living along Newport (like all areas in AAPS.) The push to adopt the state code in full and change speed limits is being lead by two individuals. [link] I was curious why the City was starting the review with a Newport Road speed study since it seems like there are some legitimate concerns about low speed limits (eg. Huron Parkway, etc.) around Ann Arbor then I found out that one of the people mentioned in the annarbor.com article lives along Newport Road.

By: Rod Johnson

Rod Johnson — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:39:31 +0000

I agree. There is some magical thinking surrounding speed limits. I think on streets like Newport the city should either make the speed limits match the natural speed for the street (using the 85th percentile criterion) OR lower the natural speed (by using traffic calming and changing the roadside environment). If the residents in that area are really concerned speeds are too high, it’s the street that should be changed rather than the speed limit.

By: Jim Rees

Jim Rees — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:54:36 +0000

Individual drivers do get tickets, yes. What I meant was that raising or lowering the posted limit doesn’t have any effect on the average speed on a given street, according to the Michigan State Police. The State Police further claim that lowering the speed limit makes the street more dangerous, because it mixes a small number of vehicles going at the speed limit with a larger number going faster, resulting in conflicts.

By: Rod Johnson

Rod Johnson — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 04:26:25 +0000

Doesn’t enforce? I’ve gotten tickets on Plymouth and Huron Parkway, and Newport is a notorious speed trap.