Architects Row Community Association Minutes - March 6th, 2007

Dues: If you have not paid your dues ($20/household), please give them to David Cramer, 6150 Chinquapin Parkway (cash or write a check to CHWA). Dues can also be delivered to Ben or McKinzie Lefstein (6148).

At the last meeting, we had a representative from the Department of Transportation present. Laurie made a presentation using a large aerial drawing of our block and surrounding areas marking locations of all area speed bumps. There are speed bumps on many of our neighboring streets. These speed bumps (especially those located on Northwood) divert traffic to our street, which is not suited for the number and speed of those cars. The drawing showed that Chinquapin Parkway is much narrower and more dense than Northwood. It was also discussed that the speed limit is too high and that it is impossible for two cars to pass each other at 25 mph. The combination of the speed and low visibility at the curve is also a problem, which has resulted in accidents. Blair pointed out that when entering Chinquapin from Northern Pkwy there is a “One Way” sign, but even though the street becomes two-way after crossing Lake, there is no sign saying so. This may cause drivers to think they are still on a one-way street and be less cautious and less aware of their speed and of oncoming cars, again resulting in accidents.

What we would like: Speed bumps, and better signage at the Northern Pkwy end.

What the transportation department said: The neighborhood requested speed bumps several years ago, but the request was denied. Although the representative at the past meeting could not tell us exactly why, he did assume that we were not eligible for speed bumps, due to the criteria that states there must be visibility of bumps; they cannot be placed on curves or hills.

Solutions they suggested:

- Make the street one way.

- Restrict parking on one side of the street (or a portion of the street - along the curve).

- Double yellow line (which would be in conjunction with one of the above).

(attending members did not find any of these solutions possible/acceptable).

What we are pursuing: Speed bumps on the straight sections of the street and better signage.

What’s next: We have several volunteers to go along Chinquapin Parkway (both sides) and ask people to sign a petition in favor of speed bumps. We also plan to invite Frank Murphy (the city's chief transportation engineer) and councilman Ken Harris to a future meeting to present our case again (as suggested by the representative). We are going to try and set this up for May. This meeting may be held at the church at the corner to accommodate more people, if the church agrees.

Yard Sale Update: The church (on the corner of Lake and Northern Pkwy) is going to let us use their lot for the yard sale. There will be no charge for using their property. We will be giving the church a small donation and a free table space to do with what they want. Milton will place an ad in the Pennysaver. If you can volunteer to help pass out flyers, please let us know. Remember to please contact Ben or McKinzie Lefstein if you have any items you would like to donate to the community table, or bring them to our table that day. Date: Saturday May 5^th (rain date, May 12^th).

The next meeting will be held at Lin and David’s house (6164) on April 10th, at 7:00.

Current agenda items:

- Traffic/speed bump update.

- Spring yard sale update.

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