Architects Row Community Association Minutes - May 1st, 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 (6148).

The May meeting was held at Northside Baptist Church to discuss traffic calming options for our street. Flyers were distributed to both sides of Chinquapin Parkway. Frank Murphy from the Department of Transportation and Leslie Wietscher from Councilman Kenneth N. Harris’ office were also in attendance.  

The topic of the evening was to discuss the continuing concerns of traffic safety on Chinquapin Pkwy between N Pkwy and Walker Ave, particularly the 6100 block, between Macbeth and Cedarcroft Roads.

This is a narrow street, with parking on both sides and a dangerous curve in the middle of the block.  Many residents have experienced damage to their parked cars.  Past traffic studies have concluded that the speed and volume did not indicate the need for traffic calming measures. 

A number of options were discussed and additional suggestions made for the surrounding area:

1.  Reduce parking to just one side:  this is NOT an option. All available parking spaces are needed by the residents and guests of Chinquapin Pkwy

2.  Lower the speed limit:  it is already down to 20-25 mph.  Posting a lower speed will not deter those who are already ignoring the current postings.  Additionally, no matter how slow one is traveling, head-on collisions at the curve are still a concern.

3. One Way was recommended in conjunction with speed humps.  Frank Murphy suggests ONE WAY southbound with speed humps north of the curve.  This would eliminate head-on collisions and would slow traffic at the curve. *Several residents are worried that a one way street will increase more speeding.

4.  Keep as Two Way:  not recommended....no matter what speed vehicles are driving, there is still the concern of head-on collisions. 

5.  IF kept Two Way:  Need to add "Begin Two Way Traffic" sign on Chinquapin @ Lake.  Frank also suggests possibly painting a short distance of double yellow lines, before the parking begins, to emphasize 2-way.

6.  Playground signage:  Requested "Slow Children at Play" signs for both sides of Chinquapin Pkwy (north and south of N Pkwy)..@ the playground and at the ball fields. 

7.  An additional "Do Not Enter" was requested at the east end of Lake @ Chinquapin.

There seemed to be some consensus, but Frank offered to conduct another traffic study, between the hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. and to work on the suggested signage before the community's next meeting on June 5th.  At that time, Frank will share the results of the traffic study, the community can share feedback on the new signs (if installed by then) and a plan of action will be decided upon based on the study and DOT's recommendations and the community's wishes.

Councilman Harris will, unfortunately, be out of the country at the time of the next meeting, but Leslie Wietscher will again attend in his absence. 

Treasurer’s Report: The treasurer’s report from February was not included in the March minutes, It was checking = 889.47, savings = 451.96, total = 1341.43

As of 4/10/07 the checking account balance = $909.47, savings = $451.96, total = 1361.43.

At the April meeting residents voted to pay the insurance of $500 on the park area behind our houses. This withdrawal will be recorded on the next report.

Yard Sale: This year’s yard sale was a success! We raised $288.61 through our community table and the sale of table space. A donation of $75 will be given to Pastor Brooks of The Northside Baptist Church for allowing us to use the church’s property at no cost. Pastor Brooks and members of his youth group also had a table, free of charge, at the yard sale. We hope to continue this tradition for years to come.

Northside Baptist church activities and services:

Sunday 10:00 am - Sunday school

Sunday 11:00 am - church service

Friday night - youth group

Pastor Brooks will also be leading a development program with area teens this summer. The program lasts for 6 weeks and focuses on cleaning and beautification of the neighborhood. Parent involvement is also stressed. ARCA will be helping to provide the group with much-needed supplies. Volunteers are also wanted for help painting inside the church.

The next meeting will be held at Northside Baptist Church on June 5th, at 7:00.

Current agenda items:

- Traffic/speed bump update.

Things to think about:

- Do you want the street (or a portion) to be one way?

- Do you want speed humps?

- If we get speed humps, would you care if they were located in front of your house?

Community Clean-up: The next clean-up is scheduled for June 9th at 10:00 am. There will be a dumpster located at Cedarcroft and Chinquapin. Please come and join us, we will meet at the dumpster.

Thank you! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- www.architectsrow.org